COVEST BANCSHARES INC
10-K, 1999-03-22
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D. C. 20549
                               -----------------------

                                      FORM 10-K

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [Fee Required]
     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
OR
[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required]
                   For the transition period from _______ to _______

                            Commission File Number 0-20160
                               -----------------------

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                     Delaware                        36-3820609
          (State or other jurisdiction of         (I.R.S. Employer
           incorporation or organization)       Identification Number)

       749 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois            60016
     (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)

          Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847) 294-6500

             Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                Name of Each Exchange
           Title of Each Class                   on which Registered
           -------------------                  ---------------------
                  NONE                                  NONE

             Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                        Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
          ------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such requirements
for the past 90 days.
                              YES --X--        NO -----

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.  [ ]


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                                       1
<PAGE>

As of March 5, 1999, the Registrant had issued and outstanding 4,403,803 shares
of the Registrant's Common Stock.  In addition, it had also repurchased 193,188
shares which were being held as treasury stock.  The aggregate market value of
the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of March 5, 1999,
was $50,427,000.* 



                         DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
         -------------------------------------------------------------------

         PART III of Form 10-K--Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 1999
                           Annual Meeting of Stockholders.









* Based on the closing price of the Registrant's Common Stock on March 5, 1999,
and reports of beneficial ownership filed by directors and  executive officers
of Registrant and by beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock of Registrant;  however, such determination of shares owned by
affiliates does not constitute an admission of affiliate status or beneficial
interest in shares of Registrant's Common Stock.


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                                       2
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.

                           1998 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 

                                  Table of Contents
                                                                            Page
                                                                          Number

                                                                            ----
                                        PART I

Item 1.        Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Item 2.        Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Item 3.        Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Item 4.        Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. . . . . . 34

                                       PART II

Item 5.        Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
                  Security Holder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Item 6.        Selected Financial Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Item 7.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                  and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Item 7A.       Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk. . . 52

Item 8.        Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Item 9.        Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting
                  and Financial Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

                                       PART III

Item 10.       Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . 89

Item 11.       Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Item 12.       Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
                  Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Item 13.       Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . 89

                                       PART IV

Item 14.       Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
                  on 8-K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91


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                                       3
<PAGE>

                                        PART I

                                SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Company intends such
forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for
forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Reform Act of
1995, and is including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor
provisions.  Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions
and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are
generally identifiable by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend,"
"anticipate," "estimate," "project" or similar expressions.  The Company's
ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is
inherently uncertain.  Factors which could have a material adverse affect on the
operations and future prospects of the Company and the subsidiaries include, but
are not limited to, changes in: interest rates, general economic conditions,
legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S.
Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve
Board, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand
for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in
the Company's market area and accounting principles, policies and guidelines. 
These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking
statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Further
information concerning the Company and its business, including additional
factors that could materially affect the Company's financial results, is
included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

                                     THE COMPANY

GENERAL

CoVest Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), is a bank
holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended (the "BHCA").  The Company's subsidiary is CoVest Banc, National
Association, a national banking association (the "Bank").  The Bank's subsidiary
service corporation, CoVest Investments, Inc., an Illinois corporation ("CII"),
engages in the business of selling annuities, insurance products and complete
brokerage services.  The Company was organized in 1992, in connection with the
Bank's conversion from the mutual to the stock form of organization (the
"Conversion") which was completed on June 30, 1992.  As part of the Conversion,
the Company issued 3,220,000 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value per
share (the "Common Stock"), at a price of $10.00 per share.  The Company's
Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol
"COVB" (neither the original number of shares nor the price per share have been
adjusted for subsequent stock splits).  Prior to August, 1997, the Company was a
savings and loan holding company registered under the Home Owners Loan Act, as
amended.  The Company became a bank holding company effective August 1,  1997,
when the Bank completed its conversion from a federal savings association to a
national bank.

The Bank is the Company's only subsidiary and was initially chartered as a
federal savings and loan association in 1934.  Effective August, 1997, the Bank
converted from a savings association to a national bank and changed its name to
"CoVest Banc, National Association."  All references to the Company include the
Bank and its subsidiary, CII,  unless otherwise indicated, except that
references to the Company at or before June 30, 1992 refer to only the Bank and
CII on a consolidated basis.


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                                       4
<PAGE>

The Company, the Bank and CII are subject to comprehensive regulation,
examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (the "FRB"), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC")
and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC").  The Bank is a
member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System (the "FHLB") and its deposits are
insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") to the maximum extent
permitted by the FDIC.  The Company engages in a general full service retail
banking business and offers a broad variety of commercial and consumer oriented
products and services to customers in its primary market area.  The Company is
principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general
public and originating commercial loans and to a lesser extent mortgage loans in
its primary market area.  The Company also originates consumer loans and in
addition, invests in mortgage-backed and related securities, and marketable
equity securities.  Finally, the Company offers, on an agency basis through CII,
annuities, insurance products and complete brokerage services to its customers.

The Company's income is derived from interest on loans, mortgage backed and
related securities and other securities, service charges, loan origination fees,
loan servicing fees, loan service release fees from its mortgage center
operations, and proceeds from the sale, through CII, of annuity and insurance
products. The Company's operations are materially affected by general economic
conditions, the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the
policies of the various regulatory authorities, including the OCC and the FRB. 
Its results of operations are largely dependent upon its net interest income,
which is the difference between the interest it receives on its loan and 
securities portfolios and the interest it pays on its deposit accounts and
borrowed money.  

The Company's corporate headquarters are located at 749 Lee Street, Des Plaines,
Illinois.  The Company's telephone number is (847) 294-6500.  Its internet
address is www.covestbanc.com.


MARKET AREA

The Company's main office and a drive-up facility are located in downtown 
Des Plaines, Illinois.  Des Plaines is a mature suburban Chicago community 
which had a population of approximately 53,200 in 1990.  Des Plaines is 
located approximately 20 miles from downtown Chicago and five miles north of 
Chicago's O'Hare airport.

In March, 1994, the Company established its first branch office in Arlington
Heights, Illinois, through the acquisition from the Resolution Trust Corporation
of the deposits and office building of the Arlington Heights branch of the
former Irving Federal Bank, F.S.B.  Arlington Heights is a suburban Chicago
community located approximately 10 miles northwest of Des Plaines.  Based on the
1990 census, it had a population of approximately 75,500.  

On March 2, 1995, the Company opened its third full-service office in
Schaumburg, Illinois.  Schaumburg is a relatively young suburb, and has seen
rapid growth, although this has slowed somewhat recently.  It is located
approximately 16 miles southwest of Arlington Heights and approximately 13 miles
west of Des Plaines.  Schaumburg had a population of 68,586 in 1990.

On February 11, 1998, the Company opened a Mortgage Center in McHenry, Illinois,
the county seat of McHenry County, located approximately 35 miles northwest of
Des Plaines.  A second Mortgage Center was opened in Aurora, Illinois, located
approximately 35 miles southwest of Des Plaines, in July, 1998.  The CoVest Banc
Mortgage Centers concentrate on mortgage loan origination and sales.

A CoVest Investment Center was opened in Berwyn, Illinois in December, 1998,
approximately 15 miles southeast of Des Plaines.  The Investment Center
concentrates on annuity sales, insurance sales and securities transactions.

Des Plaines and parts of the surrounding contiguous communities such as Park
Ridge, Niles and Mount Prospect have historically constituted the Company's
primary market area. However, with the establishment of the two additional
offices by the Company, the market area has expanded into several other suburbs
such as Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg and
Hoffman Estates.  These suburban areas are


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                                       5
<PAGE>

characterized by single-family residences and apartment buildings. These
demographics provide the Company with diverse opportunities for commercial
lending, which became a focus of the Bank commencing  in 1996.  In addition,
many of the residents of the Company's primary market area consist of
professional or "white collar" workers who commute into Chicago or engage in
local retail trade, although a significant number of residents in the farther
outlying suburbs, such as Schaumburg, work in that community at jobs in the
service sector.  The Company's success has been due, in part, to its market
area's growth, favorable population and income demographics.  


LENDING ACTIVITIES

GENERAL
The Company faces strong competition both in originating loans and in attracting
deposits.  Competition for commercial loans, commercial real estate,
construction and multi-family loans comes primarily from large commercial banks
and smaller community banks.  Competition in originating real estate loans comes
primarily from mortgage bankers, other savings institutions and commercial
banks, all of which also make loans secured by real estate located in the
Company's primary market area.  The Company competes for real estate loans
principally on the basis of the interest rates and loan fees it charges, the
types of loans it offers and the quality of services it provides to borrowers. 
The competition for consumer loans comes primarily from commercial banks and
finance companies.

The principal lending activity of the Bank before 1996 had historically been
originating first mortgage loans for its portfolio, secured by owner occupied
one-to-four family residential properties located in its primary market area. 
The Bank also offers a wide selection of consumer loans.  Beginning in 1996, the
Bank began a major balance sheet restructuring project.  The Bank is now a
full-service commercial bank, offering commercial loans, multi-family loans,
commercial real estate loans, construction loans and purchasing investment grade
commercial leases.  These types of lending will be the major focus of the Bank
going forward as it continues to function more as a traditional commercial
banking institution. 

The Bank's Mortgage Center provides a full array of first mortgage products for
which it acts as a loan originator and placer.  All loans are sold on a service
released basis to other financial institutions, for which the Bank receives a
fee and has no additional rights.

In November, 1998, the Company sold its $10.8 million credit card loan
portfolio. Proceeds from the sale were used to fund additional multifamily
loans.


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                                       6
<PAGE>

LOAN PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

The following table outlines the composition of the Company's loan portfolio in
dollar amounts and in percentages as of the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           --------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------
                                                                         ------------
                                   1998                 1997                 1996                 1995                 1994
                                   ----                 ----                 ----                 ----                 ----
                             Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent
                             ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------

                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                        <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>          <C>
Commercial loans           $   8,035    1.98%   $   5,504      1.44%  $     58      0.02%  $                -% $       -         -%

Real estate loans
 One-to-four family          154,182   37.94      235,425     61.76    251,831     74.21     275,570    83.04    297,682     85.16
 Multi-family                 55,661   13.70        4,604      1.21        995      0.29         177     0.06        226      0.06
 Commercial real estate       66,776   16.43       56,220     14.75     20,705      6.11       2,200     0.66          -         -
 Construction                 40,572    9.98        8,939      2.34      1,811      0.53           -        -          -         -
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------
  Total real estate loans    317,191   78.05      305,188     80.06     275,342    81.14     277,947    83.76    297,908     85.22

Commercial/Municipal leases   35,166    8.66       11,274      2.96       7,053     2.08           -        -          -         -

Consumer loans
 Automobile                   21,036    5.18       22,781      5.98      21,802     6.42      18,618     5.61     17,192      4.93
 Home equity and 
  improvement                 22,654    5.57       21,987      5.77      18,570     5.47      16,323     4.92     14,211      4.06
 Credit card                       -       -       13,469      3.53      15,812     4.66      18,289     5.51     19,930      5.70
 Other                         2,290    0.56        1,008      0.26         716     0.21         677     0.20        323      0.09
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------
  Total consumer loans        45,980   11.31       59,245     15.54      56,900    16.76      53,907    16.24     51,656     14.78
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------
   Total loans               406,372  100.00%     381,211    100.00%    339,353   100.00%    331,854   100.00%   349,564    100.00%
                                      ------                 ------               ------               ------               ------
                                      ------                 ------               ------               ------               ------

Net deferred costs/(fees)        269                  275                   616                  542              (1,084)
                           ---------            ---------             ---------            ---------           ---------

  Total loans receivable   $ 406,641            $ 381,486             $ 339,969            $ 332,396           $ 348,480
                           ---------            ---------             ---------            ---------           ---------
                           ---------            ---------             ---------            ---------           ---------
</TABLE>

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                                       7
<PAGE>

The following table shows the composition of the Company's loan portfolio by
fixed and adjustable rate at the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           --------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------
                                                                         ------------
                                   1998                 1997                 1996                 1995                 1994
                                   ----                 ----                 ----                 ----                 ----
                             Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent    Amount    Percent
                             ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------    ------    -------

                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                        <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>          <C>
Fixed rate loans
 Commercial loans          $   1,722    0.42%   $     438      0.11%  $      58     0.02%  $       -        -% $       -         -%

 Real estate loans
  One-to-four family          89,390   22.00      137,314     36.02     157,430    46.39     215,556    64.96    270,536     77.39
  Multi-family                   391    0.10          576      0.15         995     0.29         177     0.06        226      0.06
  Commercial real estate      19,735    4.85       15,863      4.16      20,304     5.98       2,200     0.66          -         -
  Construction                   199    0.05           63      0.02           -        -           -        -          -         -
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------

   Total real estate loans   109,715   27.00      153,816     40.35     178,729    52.66     217,933    65.68    270,762     77.45

  Commercial leases           35,166    8.66       11,274      2.96       7,053     2.08           -        -          -         -

  Consumer loans              27,292    6.71       29,424      7.72      26,160     7.71      22,449     6.76     22,867      6.54
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------
   Total fixed loans         173,895   42.79      194,952     51.14     212,000    62.47     240,382    72.44    293,629     83.99
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------

Adjustable-rate loans
 Commercial loans              6,313    1.56        5,066      1.32           -        -           -        -          -         -

 Real estate loans
  One-to-four family          64,792   15.94       98,111     25.74      94,401    27.82      60,014    18.08     27,146      7.77
  Multi-family                55,270   13.60        4,028      1.06           -        -           -        -          -         -
  Commercial real estate      47,041   11.58       40,357     10.59       2,212     0.65           -        -          -         -
  Construction                40,373    9.93        8,876      2.33           -        -           -        -          -         -
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------

   Total real estate loans   207,476   51.05      151,372     39.72      96,613    28.47      60,014    18.08     27,146      7.77

  Consumer loans              18,688    4.60       29,821      7.82      30,740     9.06      31,458     9.48     28,789      8.24
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------

   Total adjustable loans    232,477   57.21      186,259     48.86     127,353    37.53      91,472    27.56     55,935     16.01
                           ---------  ------    ---------    ------   ---------   ------   ---------   ------  ---------    ------

Total loans                  406,372  100.00%     381,211    100.00%    339,353   100.00%    331,854   100.00%   349,564    100.00%
                                      ------                 ------               ------               ------               ------
                                      ------                 ------               ------               ------               ------

Net deferred costs/(fees)        269                  275                   616                  542              (1,084)
                           ---------            ---------             ---------            ---------           ---------

Total loans receivable     $ 406,641            $ 381,486             $ 339,969            $ 332,396           $ 348,480
                           ---------            ---------             ---------            ---------           ---------
                           ---------            ---------             ---------            ---------           ---------
</TABLE>

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                                       8
<PAGE>

The following schedule illustrates the contractual maturities of the Company's
loan portfolio at December 31, 1998.  Mortgages which have adjustable or
floating interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the
contract is due.  The schedule does not reflect the effects of possible
prepayments or enforcement of due-on-sale clauses:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Comm. Loans,
                                    Comm. Real Estate,
                                      Construction,
                 One-to-Four Family   Multi-Family           Consumer
               --Residential Loans-- --and Leases-----   ------Loans------  ------Total------
                 -----------------     ----------              -----              -----

                                            (Dollars in Thousands)


Coming due during         Weighted            Weighted            Weighted            Weighted
  years ending             Average             Average             Average             Average
  December 31,    Amount    Rate      Amount    Rate      Amount    Rate      Amount    Rate
  ------------    ------    ----      ------    ----      ------    ----      ------    ----
<S>             <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
1999*           $   6,888   6.53%   $  53,120   8.05%   $   8,922   8.68%   $  68,930   7.98%
2000                5,875   7.33       36,472   7.75        6,697   8.07       49,044   7.74
2001                5,498   7.51        7,212   7.26        4,510   8.05       17,220   7.55
2002 to 2003       12,779   7.54       26,169   8.09        8,032   8.43       46,980   8.00
2004 to 2008       35,716   7.23       70,448   7.97       17,722   8.76      123,886   7.87
2009 to 2023       69,506   7.38       12,276   8.21           97   8.58       81,879   7.51
2024 and beyond    17,920   7.29          513   8.53            -      -       18,433   7.32
                ---------  -----    ---------  -----    ---------  -----    ---------  -----

    Total       $ 154,182   7.32%   $ 206,210   7.96%   $  45,980   8.52%   $ 406,372   7.78%
                ---------  -----    ---------  -----    ---------  -----    ---------  -----
                ---------  -----    ---------  -----    ---------  -----    ---------  -----
</TABLE>

(*)  Includes demand loans, loans having no stated maturity, and overdraft
loans.


Approximately $154.7 million in fixed rate loans and $182.8 million in variable
rate loans have maturities in excess of one year.

The aggregate amount of loans that the Bank is permitted to make to any one
borrower is generally limited to 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus (25% if
the security for such loan has a "readily ascertainable" value).  At December
31, 1998, the Bank's regulatory loan-to-one borrower limit was $7.0 million.  On
the same date, the Bank's largest lending relationship was $6,627,000.  

All of the Company's lending activities are conducted in accordance with its
written underwriting standards and its loan origination procedures.  The Company
is an equal opportunity lender and each year offers its Affordable Housing
Program for families with a maximum household income of 115% of the median
income as published by the Federal Housing Finance Board.  Decisions on all loan
approvals or denials are made on the basis of detailed applications and property
valuations (consistent with the Company's written appraisal policy) prepared by
independent appraisers.  The loan applications are designed primarily to
determine the borrower's ability to repay and the more significant items on the
application are verified through use of credit reports, financial statements,
tax returns and/or third-party confirmations.


COMMERCIAL LENDING
Management of  the Company has made a commitment to become a full service
community bank.  In line with this commitment, the Company has increased its
originations of commercial real estate loans, multi-family loans, commercial
leases and commercial loans.  Management intends to focus on this type of
lending in the future.   The commercial real estate loans, multi-family loans
and construction loans are collateralized by property within the Company's
market area.  The commercial leases, which may extend beyond the Company's 
market area, are primarily investment grade leases.  


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                                       9
<PAGE>

The underwriting standards used by the Company for these types of loans include
a determination of the applicant's payment history, cash flow, value of
collateral, and credit worthiness of the business.  These types of loans carry a
rate higher than residential mortgages, but also have a greater degree of credit
risk.  Leases, of which 96 % are investment grade instruments, are not
considered a substantial risk.

At December 31, 1998, the Company had $66,776,000 in commercial real estate
loans, $40,572,000 in construction loans, $8,035,000 in commercial loans,
$35,166,000 in commercial/municipal leases, and $55,661,000 in multi-family
loans.  The Allowance for Possible Loan Losses included $3,365,000 for these
types of loans at December 31, 1998.

Loan growth in multi-family loans showed the largest increase in 1998.  These
loans are concentrated in the counties surrounding the Company's locations with
the major dollar volumes and numbers being situated in Cook County, Illinois. 
Most of these loans are to finance or refinance apartment buildings ranging in
size from five units up to 24 units.  The terms of the loans are one year
adjustable rate, three year adjustable rate, or five year adjustable rate and
have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80%.

Construction lending is primarily for rehabilitation projects in Cook County and
some land development projects around the Company's lending area.  These
rehabilitation projects are for the conversion of old warehouse and factory
space into single family townhouses or condominiums.  The typical build out time
is less than eighteen months and is priced at a margin above the prime rate.

Commercial real estate loans are primarily for mixed use properties, office
buildings that are occupied, operating strip malls and hotel/motel loans.  These
loans usually reprice at least every five years based upon a margin over the
five year constant maturity treasury.


ONE-TO-FOUR FAMILY RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE LENDING 
The cornerstone of the Company's lending program has historically been the
origination of one-to-four family permanent loans, to be held in its portfolio,
secured by mortgages on owner-occupied residences.  In February, 1998, the
Company established the CoVest Banc Mortgage Center. With the creation of the
Mortgage Center, the Company has the ability to originate one-to-four family
mortgages with competitive rates without the interest rate exposure associated
with originations for its own portfolio.  During 1998, the Mortgage Center
originated and sold 708 loans and 45 additional loans were originated and
retained in the Bank's portfolio.  The Mortgage Center also generated $1,006,000
in non-interest income from the receipt of SRP's (service release premiums) from
the sale of the originated mortgages to secondary market investors as well as
$706,000 in other origination fees.  The Mortgage Center's investor network of
approximately thirty private or institutional investors allows the Company to
offer Conventional, Jumbo, VA and B, C and  D (sub-prime) loan programs for
first mortgages.  The Mortgage Center also has the ability to originate and sell
125% equity loans and equity loans to borrowers with credit problems.  

The Company will continue to originate loans targeted at low and moderate income
home buyers through the Affordable Housing Program and the Community Investment
Program, which will be retained in its portfolio.  

At December 1998, the Company held as Mortgage Backed Securities ("MBS")
previously securitized with Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation $20 million
of 15 and 30 year fixed-rate and balloon single family residential mortgage
loans.  The Company, depending on liquidity needs, may sell a portion of these
securities in 1999.  At December 31, 1998, $149.9 million of the Company's loan
portfolio consisted of permanent loans on one-to-four family residences.  The
Company also held for sale $4.3 million in loans on one-to-four family
residences originated by the Mortgage Center.  At that date, the Company's
largest outstanding residential loan was $774,000.  Substantially all of the
residential loans originated by the Company are secured by properties located in
the Company's primary market area.  See "Origination, Purchases and Sales of
Loans."


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       10
<PAGE>

The Company continues to have fewer one-to-four family residential homes in its
portfolio and has seen the total decrease from 85.16% of total loans on December
31, 1994 to 37.94% of total loans on December 31, 1998.  The decrease in 1998
was due to the sale of most new loan originations to external investors by the
Company's Mortgage Center, and the acceleration of prepayment/refinancing
activity on existing loans, in response to declining interest rates.

Mortgage loans retained by the Company may have loan-to-value ratios of up to
95%.  On any mortgage loan exceeding an 80% loan-to-value ratio at the time of
origination, the Company requires private mortgage insurance in an amount
intended to reduce the Company's exposure to 80% or less of the appraised value
of the underlying property.

The Company's residential mortgage loans customarily include due-on-sale
clauses, giving the Company the right to declare the loan immediately due and
payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells or otherwise
disposes of the property subject to the mortgage.


CONSUMER LENDING
Management believes that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and
create stronger ties to the Company's existing customer base.  In addition,
because consumer loans generally have shorter terms to maturity and/or
adjustable rates and carry higher rates of interest than do residential mortgage
loans, they can be valuable asset/liability management tools.  Finally,
management believes that consumer loans can diversify the portfolio. 
Accordingly, the Company pursues consumer lending through marketing and pricing
initiatives.

The Company currently originates substantially all of its consumer loans in its
primary market area.  At December 31, 1998, the Company's consumer loans totaled
$46.0 million or 11.31% of the Company's loan portfolio.  This represented a
decline of $13.3 million from December 31, 1997, primarily due to sale of the
Company's credit card loan portfolio in November, 1998.

For second mortgage and home equity loans, the Company evaluates both the
borrower's ability to make principal, interest and escrow payments and the value
of the property that will secure the loan.  The Company's second mortgage loans
and home equity lines of credit are generally originated in amounts which,
together with the amount of the first mortgage, do not exceed 80% of the
appraised value of the property securing the loan.  Home equity loans are
revolving lines-of-credit, with the interest rate floating at a stated margin
over the prime rate.  Second mortgage loans are generally made for terms of up
to ten years with fixed interest rates.  Other consumer loan terms vary
according to the type of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of
the borrower.  

The Company offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including direct
automobile loans, second mortgage loans (including home improvement loans), home
equity loans, and loans secured by deposit accounts.  In addition, the Company
offers unsecured consumer loans. In 1998, the Company continued to expand its
consumer loan portfolio by marketing automobile and home equity loans. 
Management believes that these loans, which carry a higher rate of interest, can
enhance the bottom line when offered in conjunction with a prudent credit risk
policy and collection program.  

The underwriting standards employed by the Company for consumer loans include a
determination of the applicant's payment history on other debts and an
assessment of the borrower's ability to meet payments on the proposed loan along
with existing obligations.  In addition to the creditworthiness of the
applicant, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of
the security, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount.

Consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans,
particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or secured by
depreciable assets such as automobiles.  In such cases, any repossessed
collateral for defaulted consumer loans may not provide adequate sources of
repayment for the outstanding loan balances as a result of the greater
likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition, consumer loan
collections are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability, and
thus are more likely to be affected 


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       11
<PAGE>

by adverse personal circumstances.  Furthermore, the application of various 
federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency 
laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.  Although 
the level of delinquencies in the Company's consumer loan portfolio has been 
manageable, there can be no assurance that delinquencies will not increase in 
the future.  

In 1998, the Company experienced $1,391,000 in loan charge-offs, 90% of which
were related to credit cards, and made provisions of $1,011,000 to the Allowance
for Possible Loan Losses related to consumer loans.  During the year, the
Company was able to recover $161,000 on consumer loans previously charged off.

Management regularly conducts a review of its loan portfolio, write-off
experience and adequacy of allowance for loan losses to maintain the allowance
at a level management feels is adequate.


MORTGAGE-BACKED AND RELATED SECURITIES
The Company purchases mortgage-backed  and mortgage-related securities to
supplement loan production.  Federal agency mortgage-backed securities generally
carry a yield approximately 50 to 100 basis points below that of the
corresponding type of residential loan, and the Company's other mortgage related
securities also carry lower yields;  however, the Company believes they offer
greater flexibility in volatile interest rate markets.  The Company has also
retained the servicing rights on all loans securitized with FHLMC.  The Company
will evaluate mortgage-backed securities purchases in the future based on its
asset/liability objectives, market conditions and alternative investment
opportunities.  See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations - Business Strategy".

The following schedule sets forth the contractual maturities of the Company's
mortgage-backed and related securities and carrying value as of December 31,
1998.  All such securities are considered available-for-sale and include
approximately $20 million that were formerly a part of the Company's loan
portfolio and were previously securitized with the FHLMC.  Almost all of the
mortgage-backed securities are anticipated to be repaid in advance of their
contractual maturity as a result of projected mortgage loan prepayments, driven
to a large extent by changes in the level of interest rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         ----------------------------- Due In --------------------------------
                                                                       ------
                                            1 to 5       5 to 10       10 to 20      Over 20         Balance
                                            Years         Years         Years         Years        Outstanding
                                            -----         -----         -----         -----        -----------

                                                              (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Mortgage-backed securities
   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.      $     832     $       -     $       -     $  21,362      $  22,194
   Government National Mortgage Assoc.           -             -             -         7,325          7,325
   Federal National Mortgage Assoc.              -             -             -         5,353          5,353
                                         ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------      ---------
                                         $     832     $    -        $       -     $  34,040      $  34,872
                                         ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------      ---------
                                         ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------      ---------
</TABLE>

ORIGINATION, PURCHASES AND SALES OF LOANS
The Company originates real estate and other loans through internal loan
production personnel (including commissioned originators) located in the
Mortgage Center and the Company's offices.  Walk-in customers and referrals from
real estate brokers, builders and commercial lenders in the area are also
important sources for loan originations.

In order to supplement loan origination during periods of unusual competition or
reduced loan demand and, in order to acquire additional adjustable rate loans
for asset/liability management purposes, the Company


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       12
<PAGE>

periodically considers the purchase of mortgage-backed and related securities
and/or residential loans from third party lenders.  In 1998, the Company
purchased $40.4 million in floating rate mortgage backed securities.  

In 1997, the Company purchased $700,000 in floating rate mortgage backed
securities and securitized $17.8 million of mortgage loans which had been part
of its one-to-four family residential loan portfolio. 

The Company has securitized residential real estate loans from time to time. 
When loans have been securitized, the Company retains the responsibility for
servicing the loan.  At December 31, 1998, and 1997, there was  approximately
$118.8 million and $170.1 million, respectively, in the loan servicing
portfolio.  The Company currently holds $19.8 million of these loans as
mortgage-backed securities on the balance sheet.  Management does not expect to
securitize any additional loans.  Also, at December 31, 1998, the Company had no
outstanding commitments to sell mortgage-backed or mortgage-related securities.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       13
<PAGE>

The following table shows the loan originations, purchases, sales, and
repayments of the Company for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ------------ Year Ended December 31, -------
                                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                           1998            1997            1996
                                                                           ----            ----            ----

                                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>              <C>
Originations of portfolio loans
   Adjustable rate
      Commercial loans                                               $     12,304   $       5,128    $          -
      Construction loans                                                   42,845          16,170               -
      One-to-four family                                                    9,441          34,386          44,648
      Commercial real estate                                               36,845               -               -
      Multi-family                                                         45,683               -               -
      Consumer loans                                                       15,049          19,986          21,146
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------

         Total adjustable rate                                            162,167          75,670          65,794

   Fixed rate
      Commercial loans                                                          -               -              63
      One-to-four family                                                        -           3,962          14,616
      Commercial real estate                                                    -          37,577          20,443
      Multi-family                                                              -           2,679               -
      Commercial leases                                                    44,759          10,454           7,272
      Consumer                                                             11,548          15,096          18,978
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------

         Total fixed rate                                                  56,307          69,768          61,372
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------

            Total loans originated                                        218,474         145,438         127,166

Purchases of mortgage-backed and related securities
   Mortgage-backed securities and participation certificates               40,363          52,568          83,257
   Mortgage-related securities                                                  -               -          18,126
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------

         Total purchased                                                   40,363          52,568         101,383

Sales and repayments of loans and mortgage-backed and
  related securities
   Sales of mortgage-backed securities                                     87,571          46,719         222,729
   Sale of credit card loans                                               10,805               -               -
   Principal repayments                                                   219,182         101,910          87,029
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------

         Total reductions                                                 317,558         148,629         309,758

Decrease on other items (net)                                              (1,999)         (2,894)           (975)
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------

Net increase (decrease) in loans and mortgage-backed securities      $    (60,720)  $      46,483    $    (82,184)
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------
                                                                     ------------   -------------    ------------
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       14
<PAGE>

DELINQUENCY PROCEDURES
When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, the Company attempts
to cause the delinquency to be cured by contacting the borrower.  In the case of
residential loans subject to late charges, a late notice is sent 15 days after
the due date, at which time a late charge is assessed.  If the delinquency is
not cured by the 30th day, contact with the borrower is made by phone or a
second notice is mailed.  Additional written and oral contacts are made with the
borrower between 30 and 60 days after the due date. 

In the event a real estate loan payment is past due for 90 days or more,
management performs an in-depth review of the loan status, the condition of the
property and circumstances of the borrower.  Based upon the results of its
review, management will decide whether to try to negotiate a repayment program
with the borrower, or initiate foreclosure proceedings.  These loans are also
placed on non-accrual status.

Delinquent consumer loans are handled in a similar manner, except that initial
contact is made when the payment is ten days past due, personal contact is made
when the loan becomes more than twenty days past due, and the loan is classified
as a delinquent loan when it is past due for 30 days or more.  Certain consumer
loans are placed on non-accrual status when delinquent more than 90 days and as
deemed appropriate in the collection process.

The following table sets forth the Company's loan delinquencies by type, by
amount, and by percentage.  Non performing assets are excluded from the table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      ----------------------- Loans Delinquent For -------------------------
                                              --------------------                                              Total
                      --------- 30 - 89 Days --------        ------- 90 Days and Over ------        ------ Delinquent Loans -----
                                ------------                         ----------------                      ----------------
                                              Percent                                Percent                              Percent
                                                of                                     of                                   of
                                               Loan                                   Loan                                 Loan
                      Number        Amount   Category        Number        Amount   Category        Number      Amount   Category
                      ------        ------   --------        ------        ------   --------        ------      ------   --------

                                                             (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                   <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>         <C>        <C>             <C>       <C>        <C>
One-to-four
  family                  15      $    851      0.55%             -      $      -      0.00%            15    $    851      0.55%
Commercial real
  estate                   -             -      0.00              -             -      0.00              -           -      0.00
Multi-family               -             -      0.00              -             -      0.00              -           -      0.00
Construction               -             -      0.00              -             -      0.00              -           -      0.00
Commercial                 3            35      0.44              -             -      0.00              3          35      0.44
Commercial leases         11           213      0.61              -             -      0.00             11         213      0.61
Consumer                  15            80      0.17              -             -      0.00             15          80      0.17
                    --------      --------  --------       --------      --------  --------       --------    --------  --------

     Total                44      $  1,179      0.29%             -      $      -      0.00%            44    $  1,179      0.29%
                    --------      --------  --------       --------      --------  --------       --------    --------  --------
                    --------      --------  --------       --------      --------  --------       --------    --------  --------
</TABLE>

CLASSIFICATION OF ASSETS
OCC policies require that each national bank classify its own assets on a
regular basis.  In addition, in connection with examinations of national banks,
OCC examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate,
require them to be classified.  There are three classifications for problem
assets:  Substandard, Doubtful and Loss.  The regulations also include a Special
Mention category. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are
characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some
loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Doubtful assets have the weaknesses
of Substandard assets, with the additional characteristics that the weaknesses
make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts,
conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss.  An
asset classified as Loss is considered un-collectable and of such little value
that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted. 


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       15
<PAGE>

The Special Mention category consists of assets which do not currently expose a
financial institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification,
but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving
management's close attention.  Assets classified as Substandard or Doubtful
require the institution to establish prudent general allowances for possible
loan losses.  If an asset or portion thereof is classified as Loss, the
institution must either establish specific allowances for loan losses in the
amount of 100% of the portion of the asset classified as Loss, or charge off
such amount.  If an institution does not agree with an examiner's classification
of an asset, it may appeal this determination to the Regional Director of the
OCC.  In the above table, all loans delinquent 90 days or more are classified
according to the above rules.  Certain loans delinquent less than 90 days are
categorized as Special Mention.  As a result of management's review of its
assets, at December 31, 1998, the Company had categorized $1,730,000  of its
assets as Special Mention, $1,021,000 as Substandard, and none as Doubtful or
Loss.   The Company's classified assets consist of the non-performing loans
detailed below and certain loans delinquent less than 90 days.

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
Real estate loans are placed on non-accrual status when either principal or
interest is 90 days or more past due unless, in the judgment of management,
other factors are present to justify the accrual of interest.  Interest accrued
and unpaid at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status is charged against
interest income.  Subsequent payments are either applied to the outstanding
principal balance or recorded as interest income, depending on the assessment of
the ultimate collectibility of the loan.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 114, as
amended by SFAS 118,  loans which are considered to be impaired are reduced to
the present value of expected future cash flows or to the fair value of the
related collateral, by allocating a portion of the allowance to such loans.  If
these allocations cause the allowance for possible loan losses to require an
increase, such increase is reported as a provision for possible loan losses
charged to expense.  Loans are evaluated for impairment when payments are
delinquent 90 days or more, or when management downgrades the loan
classification to doubtful.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       16
<PAGE>

The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets
in the Company's loan portfolio.  Loans are placed on non-accrual status when
the collection of principal and/or interest becomes doubtful.  For all years
presented, the Company has had no impaired loans or troubled debt restructurings
(which involve forgiving a portion of interest or principal on any loans or
making loans at a rate materially less than that of market rates).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   ---------------------------- December 31, -------------------------
                                                       1998           1997          1996          1995          1994
                                                       ----           ----          ----          ----          ----

                                                                           (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>
Non-accruing loans
     One-to-four family                            $      996     $        -    $        -    $      531    $      176
     Commercial real estate loans                           -              -             -             -             -
     Multi-family loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Construction loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial loans                                       -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial leases                                      -              -             -             -             -
     Consumer                                              25              -            95             -             -
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
     Total                                              1,021              -            95           531           176

Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more
     One-to-four family                                     -          1,137           599             -             -
     Commercial real estate loans                           -              -             -             -             -
     Multi-family loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Construction loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial loans                                       -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial leases                                      -              -             -             -             -
     Consumer                                               -            167           162           150            24
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

     Total                                                  -          1,304           761           150            24
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

          Total non-performing loans               $    1,021     $    1,304    $      856    $      681    $      200
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

               Total non-performing loans
                 to net loans                            0.25%          0.35%         0.25%         0.21%         0.06%
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

               Total non-performing loans
                 as percentage of assets                 0.19%          0.22%         0.16%         0.11%         0.04%
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

Management has considered the Company's non-performing assets in establishing
its Allowance for Possible Losses on Loans.  As of December 31, 1998, there were
specific reserves of $250,000 on a commercial loan. 

As of December 31, 1998, there were no other loans not included on the table or
discussed above where known information about the possible credit problems of
borrowers caused management to have serious doubts as to the ability of the
borrower to comply with present loan repayment terms.

LOAN LOSS RESERVE ANALYSIS
On a quarterly basis, management of the bank meets to review the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses.  Each loan officer grades his individual commercial
credits and the Company's outsourced Loan Review function


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       17
<PAGE>

validates the officers' grades.  In the event that Loan Review downgrades the
loan, it is included in the allowance analysis at the lower grade.  The grading
system is in compliance with the regulatory classifications and the allowance is
allocated to the loans based on the regulatory grading, except in instances
where there are known differences (i.e. collateral value is nominal, etc.). 
Once the specific portion of the allowance is calculated, management then
calculates a historical portion for each loan category based on loan loss
history, current economic conditions and trends in the portfolio, including
delinquencies and impairments, as well as changes in the composition of the
portfolio.

During 1998, there was a significant change in the composition of the loan
portfolio.  The loan portfolio has migrated from a lower risk single family
residential loan portfolio to a higher risk commercial loan portfolio.  There
have been substantial increases in the multi-family, construction, lease and
commercial loan portfolio.  In addition, in 1998 the credit card loan portfolio
was sold.  The methodology used to determine the adequacy of the allowance for
loan losses is consistent with prior years, although there were reallocations of
the allowance based on the change in composition of the portfolio and the sale
of the credit card portfolio.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       18
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth an analysis of the Company's allowance for
possible loan losses:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   ---------------------------- December 31, -------------------------
                                                                                Year Ended
                                                                                ----------
                                                       1998           1997          1996          1995         1994
                                                       ----           ----          ----          ----         ----

                                                                           (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>
Balance at beginning of period                     $    3,977     $    1,424    $    1,379    $    1,520    $    1,581

Charge-offs

     One-to-four family                                    38              -             -             -             -
     Commercial real estate loans                           -              -             -             -             -
     Multi-family loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Construction loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial loans                                       -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial leases                                      -              -             -             -             -
     Consumer                                           1,355          1,615         1,497           903           474


Recoveries

     One-to-four family                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial real estate loans                           -              -             -             -             -
     Multi-family loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Construction loans                                     -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial loans                                       -              -             -             -             -
     Commercial leases                                      -              -             -             -             -
     Consumer                                             161             96           145           118            53
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

Net charge-offs                                         1,232          1,519         1,352           785           421
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

Additions charged to operations                         1,567          4,072         1,397           644           360
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

Balance at end of period                           $    4,312     $    3,977    $    1,424    $    1,379    $    1,520
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

Ratio of net charge-offs during the
  period to average loans outstanding
  during the period                                      0.37%          0.42%         0.39%         0.20%         0.15%
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------

Ratio of allowance to non-performing loans               4.22x          3.05x         1.66x         2.02x         7.60x
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                   ----------     ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

Because some loans may not be repaid in full, an allowance for possible loan
losses is recorded.  Increases to the allowance are recorded by a provision for
possible loan losses charged to expense.  Estimating the risk of the loss and
the amount of loss on any loan is necessarily subjective.  Accordingly, the
allowance is maintained by management at a level considered adequate to cover
possible losses that are currently anticipated based on past loss experience,
general economic conditions, information about specific borrower situations
including their financial position and collateral values, and other factors and
estimates which are subject to change over time.  While management may
periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific problem loan
situations, the entire allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that
occur.  A loan is charged off against the allowance by management as a loss when
deemed uncollectible, although collection efforts continue and future recoveries
may occur.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       19
<PAGE>

The distribution of the Company's allowance for possible losses on loans at the
dates indicated is summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ----------------------------------------- December 31, ---------------------------------------
                                                                         ------------

                                -------1998-------       -------1997-------      -------1996-------     --------1995-------
                                       ----                     ----                    ----                    ----
                                              Percent                 Percent                 Percent                 Percent
                                                of                      of                      of                      of
                                Allowance      Loans     Allowance     Loans     Allowance    Loans     Allowance     Loans
                                   for        in Each       for       in Each       for      in Each       for       in Each
                                 Possible     Category    Possible    Category    Possible   Category   Possible     Category
                                  Losses         to        Losses        to        Losses       to       Losses         to
                                    on         Total         on        Total         on       Total        on         Total
                                  Loans        Loans       Loans       Loans       Loans      Loans      Loans        Loans
                                  -----        -----       -----       -----       -----      -----      -----        -----

                                                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                             <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>
One-to-four family loans          $   387      37.94%    $   100      61.76%     $   250      74.21%   $   600       83.10%

Commercial loans and leases           412      10.64          76       4.40            -       0.02          -           -

Commercial real estate,
  construction, and multi-family    2,953      40.11       2,180      18.30          285       6.93         44        0.66

Consumer loans                        560      11.31       1,621      15.54          889      16.76        735       16.24
                                  -------    -------     -------    -------      -------    -------    -------     -------

     Total                        $ 4,312     100.00%    $ 3,977     100.00%     $ 1,424     100.00%   $ 1,379      100.00%
                                  -------    -------     -------    -------      -------    -------    -------     -------
                                  -------    -------     -------    -------      -------    -------    -------     -------


<CAPTION>
                                   ---- December 31, ----
                                        ------------

                                     -------1994-------
                                            ----
                                                   Percent
                                                      of
                                     Allowance      Loans
                                        for        in Each
                                      Possible     Category
                                       Losses         to
                                         on         Total
                                       Loans        Loans
                                       -----        -----

                                    (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                  <C>           <C>
One-to-four family loans               $ 1,100      85.22%

Commercial loans and leases                  -          -

Commercial real estate,
  construction, and multi-family             -          -
                                                         
Consumer loans                             420      14.78
                                       -------    -------

     Total                             $ 1,520     100.00%
                                       -------    -------
                                       -------    -------
</TABLE>

Note:  In 1997, 1996, and 1995, management made a decision to re-allocate
$150,000, $350,000, and $500,000 respectively, to the Allowance on Consumer
Loans from the Allowance on One-to-Four Family Loans, as no losses were realized
on this portfolio during those years.  In 1998, management re-allocated $837,000
from the Allowance on Consumer Loans after the sale of the credit card portfolio
in November, 1998.  $551,000 of this amount was re-allocated to the Allowance
for Losses on Commercial and Commercial Real Estate Loans and $286,000 was
re-allocated to the Allowance for Losses on One-to-Four Family Loans.  

Management regularly conducts a review of its loan portfolio, write-off
experience and adequacy of allowance  to maintain the allowance at a level
management feels is adequate.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       20
<PAGE>

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
As a part of its asset/liability management strategy, the Company invests in
high quality short- and medium-term investments, including interest-bearing
deposits, U.S. government and agency securities, municipal bonds, and to a
lesser extent, marketable equity securities.

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's investment
portfolio at the dates indicated. All items in the table are included at fair
value.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             -----------------------------Year Ended December 31,------------------------------
                             ----------1998----------     -----------1997----------   -----------1996----------
                                Fair           % of          Fair          % of           Fair          % of
                                Value          Total         Value         Total         Value         Total
                                -----          -----         -----         -----         -----         -----

                                                            (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                           <C>              <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>
U.S. Treasury                       $     -           -%      $ 11,013        6.71%      $ 14,998        8.68%
U.S. government agency               30,041       34.13         19,991       12.18         34,674       20.06
Marketable equity securities            853        0.97            408        0.25          3,741        2.16
Municipal bonds                      13,872       15.76          4,428        2.70            140        0.08
Corporate bond                            -           -              -           -            198        0.11
FHLMC mortgage-backed
  and related                        22,194       25.22         58,000       35.33         86,761       50.19
GNMA mortgage-backed
  and related                         7,325        8.32          4,594        2.80          5,008        2.90
FNMA mortgage-backed
  and related                         5,353        6.08         57,513       35.03         17,533       10.14
CMO mortgage-related                      -           -            646        0.39          2,633        1.52
                                   --------    --------       --------    --------       --------    --------
    Subtotal                         79,638       90.48        156,593       95.39        165,686       95.84

FRB stock                               469        0.53            469        0.29              -           -
FHLB stock                            7,910        8.99          7,110        4.32          7,190        4.16
                                   --------    --------       --------    --------       --------    --------
    Total securities and stock     $ 88,017      100.00%      $164,172      100.00%      $172,876      100.00%
                                   --------    --------       --------    --------       --------    --------
                                   --------    --------       --------    --------       --------    --------
Average remaining life
  of non-mortgage-backed
  securities                            3.55 years                 2.45 years                6.16 years
</TABLE>

The composition and contractual maturities of the securities portfolio at 
December 31, 1998, excluding mortgage-backed securities, Federal Reserve Bank 
of Chicago stock, FHLB of Chicago stock, and marketable equity securities, is 
indicated in the following table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                ----------------------Due In---------------------
                                                  Less than    1 to 5        5 to 10       Over 10      Total
                                                   1 Year       Years         Years         Years    Securities 
                                                   ------       -----         -----         -----    ----------

                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
U.S. Treasury                                    $       -    $       -    $       -    $       -    $        -
U.S. government agency                                   -       22,594        7,447            -        30,041
Municipal bonds                                      2,310       10,289        1,273            -        13,872
                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     ---------

    Total securities                             $   2,310    $  32,883    $   8,720    $       -    $   43,913
                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     ---------
                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     ---------

Weighted average yield                                5.82%        6.05%        5.91%           -%         6.01%
                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     ---------
                                                 ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     ---------
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       21
<PAGE>

SOURCES OF FUNDS

GENERAL
Deposit accounts have traditionally been the principal source of the 
Company's funds for use in lending and for other general business purposes. 
In addition to deposits, the Company derives funds from borrowings, loan 
repayments and cash flows generated from operations. Scheduled loan payments 
are a relatively stable source of funds, while loan prepayments and deposit 
flows are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, 
competition and the restructuring occurring in the banking industry. In 1996 
and 1997, an additional source of funds was the securitization of loans which 
were then classified as securities. The Bank has sold some of the securities 
to meet liquidity needs in the payment of deposit withdrawals or the funding 
of commercial related loan growth. No additional securitizations occurred in 
1998.

The Company faces substantial competition in attracting deposits from other 
savings institutions, commercial banks, securities firms, money market and 
mutual funds, credit unions and other investment vehicles. The ability of the 
Company to attract and retain deposits depends on its ability to provide an 
investment opportunity that satisfies the requirements of investors as to 
rate of return, liquidity, risk and other factors. The Company competes for 
these deposits by offering a variety of deposit accounts at competitive 
rates, convenient business hours and a customer oriented staff.

The primary source of borrowing has been the FHLB of Chicago. The Company has 
regularly used this as an alternative source of funding. These funds usually 
provide a cheaper source of borrowing on both a fixed rate and floating rate 
basis. At December 31, 1998, the Company had outstanding borrowings of 
$120,000,000 at the FHLB of Chicago. Two additional non-deposit sources of 
funds which the Company has used during 1998 are the Treasury Tax and Loan 
("T T & L") Option Account and the Retail Repurchase Agreement. The T T & L 
Account enables the U. S. Treasury to keep tax dollars with the Company at a 
floating interest rate, and the Retail Repurchase Agreement allows customers 
to lend the Company money which is collateralized by a security that the Bank 
owns.

DEPOSITS
The Company attracts both short-term and long-term deposits from the 
Company's primary market area by offering a wide assortment of accounts and 
rates. The Company offers checking accounts (both interest bearing and 
non-interest bearing), Preferred and regular money market accounts, savings 
accounts, fixed interest rate certificates of deposits with varying 
maturities, and individual retirement accounts.

Deposit account terms vary, according to the minimum balance required, the 
time period the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate, among 
other factors. In March 1995, the Company offered for one day, a certificate 
promotion in conjunction with the grand opening of its new Schaumburg 
location. Approximately $69 million was deposited, at a rate of 7.80%. These 
certificates matured in September 1996, and concurrently, the Company offered 
a new Preferred Money Market product. The product has been successful, with a 
rate that is competitive, but significantly lower than 7.80%.

In setting rates, the Company regularly evaluates (i) its investment and 
lending opportunities, (ii) its internal costs of funds, (iii) the rates 
offered by competing institutions and (iv) its liquidity position. In order 
to decrease the volatility of its deposits, the Company imposes penalties on 
early withdrawal on its certificates of deposit. As of December 31, 1998, the 
Company also had $2,686,000 in brokered deposits.

The Company believes that non-certificate accounts can provide relatively low 
cost funds and accordingly, the Company introduces promotions to attract new 
checking accounts and retain CD deposits at maturity. The Company has offered 
new services to make its checking accounts more desirable, such as Telephone 
Access Banking and Debit Card, both of which have been extensively utilized 
by the customers. PC Banking was introduced in 1998.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       22
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth the deposit flows experienced by the Company 
during the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ----------Year Ended December 31,-------
                                                                                 -----------------------

                                                                                 (Dollars in Thousands)

                                                                             1998          1997          1996
                                                                             ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Deposit balance at January 1                                            $   371,752   $   402,090   $   454,656
Deposits                                                                    756,327       594,060       646,685
Withdrawals                                                                (779,139)     (641,008)     (721,083)
Interest credited                                                            15,595        16,610        21,832
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Deposit balance at December 31                                          $   364,535   $   371,752   $   402,090
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
    Net decrease                                                        $    (7,217)  $   (30,338)  $   (52,566)
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Percent decrease                                                              (1.94)%       (7.55)%      (11.56)%
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------

</TABLE>


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       23
<PAGE>

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of deposits in the various 
types of deposit programs offered by the Company for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                --------------------------------Year Ended December 31,----------------------------------
                                ----------1998----------       ----------1997-----------         ----------1996----------
                                                   % of                          % of                             % of
                                   Amount          Total          Amount         Total             Amount        Total
                                   ------          -----          ------         -----             ------        -----

                                                                 (Dollars in Thousands)

<S>                             <C>                <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
Checking accounts                  $ 38,823         10.65%        $ 35,265          9.49%        $ 30,556          7.60%

Money market accounts                85,209         23.37           57,158         15.37           39,446          9.81
Saving accounts                      52,990         14.54           59,562         16.02           66,218         16.47
                                   --------      --------         --------     ---------         --------      --------

     Total non-certificates         177,022         48.56          151,985         40.88          136,220         33.88

Certificates of deposit(1)
    0.00 - 2.99%                        120          0.03               27          0.01              185          0.05
    3.00 - 3.99%                          -             -               18          0.01              172          0.04
    4.00 - 4.99%                     47,612         13.06            5,663          1.52           24,138          6.00
    5.00 - 5.99%                    101,385         27.81          149,140         40.12          138,641         34.48
    6.00 - 6.99%                     30,738          8.43           43,665         11.75           69,172         17.20
    7.00 - 7.99%                      7,630          2.09           14,379          3.86           27,056          6.73
    8.00 - 8.99%                         14          0.01            3,218           .87            5,418          1.35
    9.00 - 9.99%                         14          0.01            3,657           .98            1,088           .27
                                   --------      --------         --------     ---------         --------      --------

         Total certificates         187,513         51.44          219,767         59.12          265,870         66.12
                                   --------      --------         --------     ---------         --------      --------

           Total deposits          $364,535        100.00%        $371,752        100.00%        $402,090        100.00%
                                   --------      --------         --------     ---------         --------      --------
                                   --------      --------         --------     ---------         --------      --------
</TABLE>

(1) Certificates of deposit include approximately $991,000, $8,370,000, and
    $15,786,000 at December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively, which bear
    interest at increasing rates over the life of the deposit term. These
    certificates are included in the table at their current rate, while the
    Company records interest expense on these certificates on a level-yield
    basis over the contractual deposit term.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       24
<PAGE>

The following table shows rate and maturity information for the Company's 
certificates of deposit as of December 31, 1998. Approximately $991,000 of 
the Company's certificates of deposit bear interest at increasing rates over 
the life of their contractual maturity term. The Company records interest 
expense on these certificates on a level-yield basis over their contractual 
maturity term. The table below details the scheduled maturities of 
certificates of deposit:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       1999           2000         2001         2002          2003     Thereafter      Total
                       ----           ----         ----         ----          ----     ----------      -----

                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                 <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
0.0  - 2.99%        $       120    $       -    $        -   $        -   $        -   $        -   $       120
3.00 - 3.99%                  -            -             -            -            -            -             -
4.00 - 4.99%             42,394        2,525         1,291          836          466          100        47,612
5.00 - 5.99%             85,675       10,888         2,774        1,357          661           30       101,385
6.00 - 6.99%              7,350       20,118           281        2,789            -          200        30,738
7.00 - 7.99%                969        3,639             3        3,019            -            -         7,630
8.00 - 8.99%                 14            -             -            -            -            -            14
9.00 - 9.99%                  -           14             -            -            -            -            14
                    -----------    ---------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------

                    $   136,522    $  37,184    $    4,349   $    8,001   $    1,127   $      330   $   187,513
                    -----------    ---------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------
                    -----------    ---------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------
</TABLE>

The following table indicates the amount of the Company's certificates of
deposit by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                --------------------Maturity---------------------
                                                 3 Months      3 to 6       6 to 12       Over 12
                                                  or Less      Months       Months        Months        Total
                                                  -------      ------       ------        ------        -----

                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Certificates of deposit less than $100,000      $   36,038   $   25,019   $   51,191   $   41,057   $   153,305

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more(1)       7,858        6,095       10,322        9,933        34,208
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------

    Total certificates of deposit               $   43,896   $   31,114   $   61,513   $   50,990   $   187,513
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -----------
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes "Jumbo" certificates of $11,047,000.

"Jumbo" certificates are a deposit product for deposits of over $100,000 
which carry a rate and term negotiated between the Bank and the depositor at 
the time of issuance. Not all certificates of deposit with balances in excess 
of $100,000 are "Jumbos".

For additional information regarding the composition of the Company's 
deposits, see Note 7 of the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       25
<PAGE>

BORROWINGS

The Company's other available sources of funds include advances from the FHLB 
of Chicago and collateralized borrowings. As a member of the FHLB of Chicago, 
the Company is required to own capital stock in the FHLB of Chicago and is 
authorized to apply for advances from the FHLB of Chicago. Each FHLB credit 
program has its own interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, and range 
of maturities. The FHLB of Chicago may prescribe the acceptable uses for 
these advances, as well as limitations on the size of the advances and 
repayment provisions. The Company had $120 million of FHLB advances 
outstanding at December 31, 1998, secured by residential mortgage loans and 
$39 million in mortgage backed securities. Additional information regarding 
borrowings can be obtained in Note 8 of the "Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements".

The following table sets forth the maximum month-end balance, average 
balance, and weighted average rates of borrowings for the periods indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1998          1997         1996
                                                             ----          ----         ----

                                                                 (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Maximum month-end balances
    FHLB advances                                       $   120,000   $   135,000   $  135,600
    Securities sold under repurchase agreement                3,774        14,292       16,162
    Other                                                     2,981        10,000       11,187

Average balances
    FHLB advances                                           154,644        71,956       89,630
    Securities sold under repurchase agreement                3,365        12,781       11,683
    Other                                                     6,993         3,497        6,630

Weighted average rates
    FHLB advances                                              5.48%         5.99%        5.99%
    Securities sold under repurchase agreement                 5.14          5.22         5.25
    Other                                                      5.16          5.30         5.40
</TABLE>


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       26
<PAGE>

                           SUPERVISION AND REGULATION


GENERAL

Financial institutions and their holding companies are extensively regulated 
under federal and state law. As a result, the growth and earnings performance 
of the Company can be affected not only by management decisions and general 
economic conditions, but also by the requirements of applicable state and 
federal statutes and regulations and the policies of various governmental 
regulatory authorities, including the OCC, the FRB, the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), the Internal Revenue Service and state 
taxing authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). 
The effect of applicable statutes, regulations and regulatory policies can be 
significant, and cannot be predicted with a high degree of certainty.

Federal and state laws and regulations generally applicable to financial 
institutions, such as the Company and its subsidiaries, regulate, among other 
things, the scope of business, investments, reserves against deposits, 
capital levels relative to operations, the nature and amount of collateral 
for loans, the establishment of branches, mergers, consolidations and 
dividends. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to the Company 
and its subsidiaries establishes a comprehensive framework for their 
respective operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the 
FDIC's deposit insurance funds and the depositors, rather than the 
shareholders, of financial institutions.

The following is a summary of the material elements of the regulatory 
framework that applies to the Company and its subsidiaries. It does not 
describe all of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that apply 
to the Company and its subsidiaries, nor does it restate all of the 
requirements of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that are 
described. As such, the following is qualified in its entirety by reference 
to the applicable statutes, regulations and regulatory policies. Any change 
in applicable law, regulations or regulatory policies may have a material 
effect on the business of the Company and its subsidiaries.

RECENT REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

PENDING LEGISLATION
Legislation has been introduced in the Congress that would allow bank holding 
companies to engage in a wider range of nonbanking activities, including 
greater authority to engage in securities and insurance activities. The 
expanded powers generally would be available to a bank holding company only 
if the bank holding company and its bank subsidiaries remain well-capitalized 
and well-managed. At this time, the Company is unable to predict whether the 
proposed legislation will be enacted and, therefore, is unable to predict the 
impact such legislation may have on the Company and the Bank.

THE COMPANY

GENERAL
The Company, as the sole shareholder of the Bank, is a bank holding company. 
As a bank holding company, the Company is registered with, and is subject to 
regulation by, the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 
1956, as amended (the "BHCA"). In accordance with Federal Reserve policy, the 
Company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and 
to commit resources to support the Bank in circumstances where the Company 
might not otherwise do so. Under the BHCA, the Company is subject to periodic 
examination by the Federal Reserve. The Company is also required to file with 
the Federal Reserve periodic reports of the Company's operations and such 
additional information regarding the Company and its subsidiaries as the 
Federal Reserve may require.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       27
<PAGE>

INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Under the BHCA, a bank holding company must obtain Federal Reserve approval 
before: (i) acquiring, directly or indirectly, ownership or control of any 
voting shares of another bank or bank holding company if, after the 
acquisition, it would own or control more than 5% of the shares of the other 
bank or bank holding company (unless it already owns or controls the majority 
of such shares); (ii) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of 
another bank; or (iii) merging or consolidating with another bank holding 
company. Subject to certain conditions (including certain deposit 
concentration limits established by the BHCA), the Federal Reserve may allow 
a bank holding company to acquire banks located in any state of the United 
States without regard to whether the acquisition is prohibited by the law of 
the state in which the target bank is located. In approving interstate 
acquisitions, however, the Federal Reserve is required to give effect to 
applicable state law limitations on the aggregate amount of deposits that may 
be held by the acquiring bank holding company and its insured depository 
institution affiliates in the state in which the target bank is located 
(provided that those limits do not discriminate against out-of-state 
depository institutions or their holding companies) and state laws which 
require that the target bank have been in existence for a minimum period of 
time (not to exceed five years) before being acquired by an out-of-state bank 
holding company.

The BHCA also generally prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or 
indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any 
company which is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than that 
of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to banks 
and their subsidiaries. This general prohibition is subject to a number of 
exceptions. The principal exception allows bank holding companies to engage 
in, and to own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by 
the Federal Reserve to be "so closely related to banking ... as to be a 
proper incident thereto." Under current regulations of the Federal Reserve, 
the Company and its non-bank subsidiaries are permitted to engage in a 
variety of banking-related businesses, including the operation of a thrift, 
sales and consumer finance, equipment leasing, the operation of a computer 
service bureau (including software development), and mortgage banking and 
brokerage. The BHCA generally does not place territorial restrictions on the 
domestic activities of non-bank subsidiaries of bank holding companies.

Federal law also prohibits any person or company from acquiring "control" of 
a bank or a bank holding company without prior notice to the appropriate 
federal bank regulator. "Control" is defined in certain cases as the 
acquisition of at least 10% of the outstanding shares of a bank or bank 
holding company.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Bank holding companies are required to maintain minimum levels of capital in 
accordance with Federal Reserve capital adequacy guidelines. If capital falls 
below minimum guideline levels, a bank holding company, among other things, 
may be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank 
businesses.

The Federal Reserve's capital guidelines establish the following minimum 
regulatory capital requirements for bank holding companies: a risk-based 
requirement expressed as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets, and a 
leverage requirement expressed as a percentage of total assets. The 
risk-based requirement consists of a minimum ratio of total capital to total 
risk-weighted assets of 8%, at least one-half of which must be Tier 1 
capital. The leverage requirement consists of a minimum ratio of Tier 1 
capital to total assets of 3% for the most highly rated companies, with a 
minimum requirement of 4% for all others. For purposes of these capital 
standards, Tier 1 capital consists primarily of permanent stockholders' 
equity less intangible assets (other than certain mortgage servicing rights 
and purchased credit card relationships). Total capital consists primarily of 
Tier 1 capital plus certain other debt and equity instruments which do not 
qualify as Tier 1 capital and a portion of the company's allowance for 
possible loan and lease losses.

The risk-based and leverage standards described above are minimum 
requirements. Higher capital levels will be required if warranted by the 
particular circumstances or risk profiles of individual banking 
organizations. For example, the Federal Reserve's capital guidelines 
contemplate that additional capital may be required to take adequate account 
of, among other things, interest rate risk, or the risks posed by 
concentrations of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading 
activities. Further, any banking organization experiencing or anticipating 
significant growth would be expected to maintain capital ratios, including 
tangible capital positions (i.e., Tier 1 capital less all intangible assets), 
well above the minimum levels.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       28

<PAGE>

As of December 31, 1998, the Company had regulatory capital in excess of the 
Federal Reserve's minimum requirements, with a risk-based capital ratio of 
13.72% and a leverage ratio of 8.14%.

DIVIDENDS
The Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") allows the Company to pay 
dividends only out of its surplus (as defined and computed in accordance with 
the provisions of the DGCL) or if the Company has no such surplus, out of its 
net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the 
preceding fiscal year. Additionally, the Federal Reserve has issued a policy 
statement with regard to the payment of cash dividends by bank holding 
companies. The policy statement provides that a bank holding company should 
not pay cash dividends which exceed its net income or which can only be 
funded in ways that weaken the bank holding company's financial health, such 
as by borrowing. The Federal Reserve also possesses enforcement powers over 
bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy 
actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of 
applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the ability to 
proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies.

FEDERAL SECURITIES REGULATION
The Company's common stock is registered with the SEC under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Consequently, the 
Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading 
and other restrictions and requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

THE BANK

GENERAL
The Bank is a national bank, chartered by the OCC under the National Bank 
Act. The deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the FDIC's Savings 
Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"), and the Bank is a member of the Federal 
Reserve System. As a SAIF-insured national bank, the Bank is subject to the 
examination, supervision, reporting and enforcement requirements of the OCC, 
as the chartering authority for national banks, and the FDIC, as 
administrator of the SAIF. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan 
Bank System, which provides a central credit facility primarily for member 
institutions.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE
As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is required to pay deposit insurance 
premium assessments to the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment 
system under which all insured depository institutions are placed into one of 
nine categories and assessed insurance premiums based upon their respective 
levels of capital and results of supervisory evaluations. Institutions 
classified as well-capitalized (as defined by the FDIC) and considered 
healthy pay the lowest premium while institutions that are less than 
adequately capitalized (as defined by the FDIC) and considered of substantial 
supervisory concern pay the highest premium. Risk classification of all 
insured institutions is made by the FDIC for each semi-annual assessment 
period.

During the year ended December 31, 1998, SAIF assessments ranged from 0% of 
deposits to 0.27% of deposits. For the semi-annual assessment period 
beginning January 1, 1999, SAIF assessment rates will continue to range from 
0% of deposits to 0.27% of deposits.

The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository 
institution if the FDIC determines, after a hearing, that the institution (i) 
has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, (ii) is in an 
unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or (iii) has violated any 
applicable law, regulation, order, or any condition imposed in writing by, or 
written agreement with, the FDIC. The FDIC may also suspend deposit insurance 
temporarily during the hearing process for a permanent termination of 
insurance if the institution has no tangible capital. Management of the 
Company is not aware of any activity or condition that could result in 
termination of the deposit insurance of the Bank.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       29
<PAGE>

FICO ASSESSMENTS
Since 1987, a portion of the deposit insurance assessments paid by SAIF 
members has been used to cover interest payments due on the outstanding 
obligations of the Financing Corporation ("FICO"). FICO was created in 1987 
to finance the recapitalization of the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance 
Corporation, the SAIF's predecessor insurance fund. As a result of federal 
legislation enacted in 1996, beginning as of January 1, 1997, both SAIF 
members and members of the FDIC's Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF") became subject 
to assessments to cover the interest payments on outstanding FICO 
obligations. These FICO assessments are in addition to amounts assessed by 
the FDIC for deposit insurance. Until January 1, 2000, the FICO assessments 
made against BIF members may not exceed 20% of the amount of the FICO 
assessments made against SAIF members. Between January 1, 2000 and the final 
maturity of the outstanding FICO obligations in 2019, BIF members and SAIF 
members will share the cost of the interest on the FICO bonds on a pro rata 
basis. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the FICO assessment rate for 
SAIF members ranged between approximately 0.061% of deposits and 
approximately 0.063% of deposits, while the FICO assessment rate for BIF 
members ranged between approximately 0.012% of deposits and approximately 
0.013% of deposits. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Bank paid 
FICO assessments totaling $222,284.

SUPERVISORY ASSESSMENTS
All national banks are required to pay supervisory assessments to the OCC to 
fund the operations of the OCC. The amount of the assessment is calculated 
using a formula which takes into account the bank's size and its supervisory 
condition (as determined by the composite rating assigned to the bank as a 
result of its most recent OCC examination). During the year ended December 
31, 1998, the Bank paid supervisory assessments to the OCC totaling $125,810.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The OCC has established the following minimum capital standards for national 
banks, such as the Bank: a leverage requirement consisting of a minimum ratio 
of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 3% for the most highly-rated banks with 
a minimum requirement of at least 4% for all others, and a risk-based capital 
requirement consisting of a minimum ratio of total capital to total 
risk-weighted assets of 8%, at least one-half of which must be Tier 1 
capital. For purposes of these capital standards, Tier 1 capital and total 
capital consist of substantially the same components as Tier 1 capital and 
total capital under the Federal Reserve's capital guidelines for bank holding 
companies (see "--The Company--Capital Requirements").

The capital requirements described above are minimum requirements. Higher 
capital levels will be required if warranted by the particular circumstances 
or risk profiles of individual institutions. For example, the regulations of 
the OCC provide that additional capital may be required to take adequate 
account of, among other things, interest rate risk or the risks posed by 
concentrations of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading 
activities.

During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Bank was not required by the OCC 
to increase its capital to an amount in excess of the minimum regulatory 
requirement. As of December 31, 1998, the Bank exceeded its minimum 
regulatory capital requirements with a leverage ratio of 7.84% and a 
risk-based capital ratio of 13.29%.

Federal law provides the federal banking regulators with broad power to take 
prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized 
institutions. The extent of the regulators' powers depends on whether the 
institution in question is "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," 
"undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized" or "critically 
undercapitalized," in each case as defined by regulation. Depending upon the 
capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators' 
corrective powers include: requiring the institution to submit a capital 
restoration plan; limiting the institution's asset growth and restricting its 
activities; requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock 
(including additional voting stock) or to be acquired; restricting 
transactions between the institution and its affiliates; restricting the 
interest rate the institution may pay on deposits; ordering a new election of 
directors of the institution; requiring that senior executive officers or 
directors be dismissed; prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits 
from correspondent banks; requiring the institution to divest certain 
subsidiaries; prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on 
subordinated debt; and ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution. 
As of December 31, 1998, the Bank was "well capitalized," as defined by OCC 
regulations.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       30
<PAGE>

DIVIDENDS
The National Bank Act imposes limitations on the amount of dividends that may 
be paid by a national bank, such as the Bank. Generally, a national bank may 
pay dividends out of its undivided profits, in such amounts and at such times 
as the bank's board of directors deems prudent. Without prior OCC approval, 
however, a national bank may not pay dividends in any calendar year which, in 
the aggregate, exceed the bank's year-to-date net income plus the bank's 
retained net income for the two preceding years. In 1997 and 1998 the Bank 
made dividend payments to the Company of $2 million and $4 million 
respectively, $205,000 and $1,000 less than net earnings in each year.

The payment of dividends by any financial institution or its holding company 
is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to 
applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and a financial 
institution generally is prohibited from paying any dividends if, following 
payment thereof, the institution would be undercapitalized. As described 
above, the Bank exceeded its minimum capital requirements under applicable 
guidelines as of December 31, 1998. Further, the Bank may not pay dividends 
in an amount which would reduce its capital below the amount required for the 
liquidation account established in connection with the Bank's conversion from 
the mutual to the stock form of ownership in 1992. As of December 31, 1998, 
approximately $19 million was available to be paid as dividends to the 
Company by the Bank. Notwithstanding the availability of funds for dividends, 
however, the OCC may prohibit the payment of any dividends by the Bank if the 
OCC determines such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

INSIDER TRANSACTIONS
The Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on 
extensions of credit to the Company and its subsidiaries, on investments in 
the stock or other securities of the Company and its subsidiaries and the 
acceptance of the stock or other securities of the Company or its 
subsidiaries as collateral for loans. Certain limitations and reporting 
requirements are also placed on extensions of credit by the Bank to its 
directors and officers, to directors and officers of the Company and its 
subsidiaries, to principal stockholders of the Company and to "related 
interests" of such directors, officers and principal stockholders. In 
addition, federal law and regulations may affect the terms upon which any 
person becoming a director or officer of the Company or one of its 
subsidiaries or a principal stockholder of the Company may obtain credit from 
banks with which the Bank maintains a correspondent relationship.

SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS STANDARDS
The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines which establish 
operational and managerial standards to promote the safety and soundness of 
federally insured depository institutions. The guidelines set forth standards 
for internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan 
documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, 
compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality and earnings. In addition, in 
October 1998, the federal banking regulators issued safety and soundness 
standards for achieving Year 2000 compliance, including standards for 
developing and managing Year 2000 project plans, testing remediation efforts 
and planning for contingencies.

In general, the safety and soundness guidelines prescribe the goals to be 
achieved in each area, and each institution is responsible for establishing 
its own procedures to achieve those goals. If an institution fails to comply 
with any of the standards set forth in the guidelines, the institution's 
primary federal regulator may require the institution to submit a plan for 
achieving and maintaining compliance. If an institution fails to submit an 
acceptable compliance plan, or fails in any material respect to implement a 
compliance plan that has been accepted by its primary federal regulator, the 
regulator is required to issue an order directing the institution to cure the 
deficiency. Until the deficiency cited in the regulator's order is cured, the 
regulator may restrict the institution's rate of growth, require the 
institution to increase its capital, restrict the rates the institution pays 
on deposits or require the institution to take any other action the regulator 
deems appropriate under the circumstances. Noncompliance with the standards 
established by the safety and soundness guidelines may also constitute 
grounds for other enforcement action by the federal banking regulators, 
including cease and desist orders and civil money penalty assessments.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       31
<PAGE>

BRANCHING AUTHORITY
National banks headquartered in Illinois, such as the Bank, have the same 
branching rights in Illinois as banks chartered under Illinois law. Illinois 
law grants Illinois-chartered banks the authority to establish branches 
anywhere in the State of Illinois, subject to receipt of all required 
regulatory approvals.

Under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 
(the "Riegle-Neal Act"), both state and national banks are allowed to 
establish interstate branch networks through acquisitions of other banks, 
subject to certain conditions, including certain limitations on the aggregate 
amount of deposits that may be held by the surviving bank and all of its 
insured depository institution affiliates. The establishment of new 
interstate branches or the acquisition of individual branches of a bank in 
another state (rather than the acquisition of an out-of-state bank in its 
entirety) is allowed by the Riegle-Neal Act only if specifically authorized 
by state law. The legislation allowed individual states to "opt-out" of 
certain provisions of the Riegle-Neal Act by enacting appropriate legislation 
prior to June 1, 1997. Illinois enacted legislation permitting interstate 
mergers beginning on June 1, 1997, subject to certain conditions, including a 
prohibition against interstate mergers involving an Illinois bank that has 
been in existence and continuous operation for fewer than five years.

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
Federal Reserve regulations, as presently in effect, require depository 
institutions to maintain non-interest earning reserves against their 
transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts), as 
follows: for transaction accounts aggregating $46.5 million or less, the 
reserve requirement is 3% of total transaction accounts; and for transaction 
accounts aggregating in excess of $46.5 million, the reserve requirement is 
$1.395 million plus 10% of the aggregate amount of total transaction accounts 
in excess of $46.5 million. The first $4.9 million of otherwise reservable 
balances are exempted from the reserve requirements. These reserve 
requirements are subject to annual adjustment by the Federal Reserve. The 
Bank is in compliance with these reserve requirements.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       32
<PAGE>

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The executive officers of the Company, each of whom is also an executive 
officer of the Bank, are identified below. The executive officers of the 
Company are elected annually by the Company's Board of Directors. The Bank 
has entered into change of control agreements with the executive officers 
named below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Name                                 Position With
                                    Holding Company                         Position with Bank
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>                                         <C>
James L. Roberts               President and Chief Executive               President and Chief
                                 Officer                                     Executive Officer

Paul A. Larsen                 Senior Vice President, Treasurer,           Senior Vice President,
                                 Chief Financial Officer, and                Treasurer, Chief Financial
                                 Corporate Secretary                         Officer and Corporate Secretary

Allen J. Bishop                Senior Vice President                       Senior Vice President,
                                                                             Marketing

Lawrence J. Schmidt            Senior Vice President                       Senior Vice President, Administrative

Joseph H. Tillotson            Senior Vice President                       Senior Vice President,  Retail Banking

Vernon J. Wiggenhauser         Senior Vice President                       Senior Vice President, Operations
</TABLE>


James L. Roberts, age 56, was elected as the Company's President and Chief 
Executive Officer on January 21, 1999. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Roberts 
was President and CEO of Perpetual Midwest Financial, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa from 1993 through 1998. He has over 30 years of experience in the 
financial services industry. He succeeds Larry G. Gillie, who left the 
Company and the Bank in August 1998.

Paul A. Larsen, age 49, joined the Company in March 1995 as Senior Vice 
President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and serves in a similar 
capacity for the Bank. Mr. Larsen has over 25 years of financial management 
and treasury operations experience within the Commercial Banking environment.

Allen J. Bishop, age 51, was named Senior Vice President of the Company and 
the Bank in March 1995. He joined the Bank in August 1992 as Marketing 
Manager. Mr. Bishop has over 25 years experience in bank marketing and 
advertising.

Lawrence J. Schmidt, age 46, joined the Company and the Bank in November 1995 
as Senior Vice President, Administrative Manager. Mr. Schmidt has over 20 
years experience in a commercial bank environment, with emphasis on 
commercial lending, loan review and strategic planning.

Joseph H. Tillotson, age 54, was named a Senior Vice President of the Company 
and the Bank in March 1995. He joined the Bank in March 1993 as Lending 
Manager. Since June 1997, Mr. Tillotson has been managing Retail Banking. He 
also manages the Mortgage Center. Mr. Tillotson has over 25 years of lending 
and operations experience in banking.

Vernon J. Wiggenhauser, age 55, joined the Company and the Bank in June 1997 
as Senior Vice President of Operations. Mr. Wiggenhauser has over 25 years 
experience in Commercial Banking operations.

R. Kennedy Alger, age 52, joined the Company and the Bank in August 1997, as 
Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. Mr. Alger served as interim 
President following the departure of the former President in August 1998, 
until his resignation and departure from the Company and the Bank in February 
1999.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       33
<PAGE>

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

The Company owns the building and land for its headquarters, which is located 
at 749 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois, and which opened in 1954. Extensive 
remodeling was completed in 1998. At December 31, 1998, this property had 
19,575 square feet and a net book value of approximately $3.5 million. The 
Company also owns the land for its employee parking lot located at 761 
Graceland Street, Des Plaines, Illinois.

In March, 1994, the Company acquired the Arlington Heights branch of the 
former Irving Federal Bank, F.S.B. from the Resolution Trust Corporation. The 
building contains approximately 14,260 square feet. At December 31, 1998, the 
net book value of the land and the building was approximately $2.6 million.

In March of 1995, the Company opened a new branch office in Schaumburg, 
Illinois. The office has approximately 9,800 square feet of space and is 
situated on a 1.6 acre parcel. At December 31, 1998 the net book value of the 
land and the building was approximately $2.8 million.

On February 12, 1998, the Company entered into a lease arrangement for 2,100 
square feet at 1771 North Richmond Road, McHenry, Illinois. The term of the 
lease is five years with two additional five year options. This location 
houses the Mortgage Center. Building improvements at this facility had a book 
value of approximately $ 0.1 million as of December 31, 1998.

CoVest Banc has a 3 year profit sharing arrangement based on the individual 
office's performance with Institutional Financial Services of Aurora, 
Illinois, for the following locations. No occupancy expenses are incurred for 
these locations.

         CoVest Banc Mortgage Center            CoVest Investment Center
         1187 North Farnsworth Road             6447 West Cermak Road
         Aurora, Illinois  60505                Berwyn, Illinois  60402


ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions 
arising in the normal course of its business. While the ultimate outcome of 
these various legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the 
opinion of management that the resolution of these legal actions should not 
have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or 
results of operations.


ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders, through the 
solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the quarter ended December 31, 
1998.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       34
<PAGE>

                                     PART II


ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
           SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS

As of March 5, 1999, there were approximately 670 holders of record of CoVest 
Bancshares, Inc. Common Stock, and an estimated 1,700 holders of its stock in 
"street name."

The Common Stock of CoVest Bancshares, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq Stock 
Market National Market System under the symbol COVB.

The table below shows the reported high and low sales prices and dividends 
(split adjusted) during the periods indicated. The Common Stock began trading 
on June 30, 1992.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998          Dividend    High        Low          1997        Dividend    High         Low
<S>           <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
1st Qtr.      $.08        $19.75      $14.50       1st Qtr.    $.0667      $12.17       $11.17
2nd Qtr.      $.08        $20.75      $17.38       2nd Qtr.    $.0667      $12.67       $11.33
3rd Qtr.      $.08        $18.75      $12.75       3rd Qtr.    $.0667      $16.17       $12.25
4th Qtr.      $.08        $15.13      $11.38       4th Qtr.    $.08        $18.00       $16.00
</TABLE>

Year end closing price   =   $12.25          Year end closing price   =   $16.50



The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of CoVest Bancshares, Inc. will be held at 
10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, 1999 at the following location:

                                  Casa Royale
                                  783 Lee Street
                                  Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

Stockholders are welcome to attend.

Investor information is available without charge by writing to Paul A. Larsen,
Senior Vice President and Treasurer, at the corporate office:

                                  CoVest Bancshares, Inc.
                                  749 Lee Street
                                  Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
                                  (847) 294-6500


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      35

<PAGE>

 The following companies make a market in COVB Common Stock:

       Stifel Nicolaus & Co., Inc            Howe Barnes Investments, Inc.
       ABN AMRO Corporation                  Herzog, Heine, Geduld, Inc.

The dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan offers stockholders an 
opportunity to automatically make full or partial dividend reinvestments and 
make optional cash purchases between $25 and $5,000 each quarter, with no 
commission charges.

Inquiries regarding stock transfer, registration, lost certificates or 
changes in name and address should be directed to the stock transfer agent 
and registrar by writing:

       Harris Trust and Savings Bank
       Shareholder Communications Team
       P. O.  Box A 3504
       Chicago, Illinois  60690-3504
       (312) 360-5106


       Corporate Office:        CoVest Bancshares, Inc.
                                749 Lee Street
                                Des Plaines, Illinois  60016
                                (847) 294-6500


       Corporate Counsel:       Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum Perlman & Nagelberg
                                333 W. Wacker Drive   Suite 2700
                                Chicago, Illinois  60606


       Independent Auditor:     Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP
                                One Mid America Plaza   Suite 800
                                Oak Brook, Illinois 60522


       Internet address:        http://www.covestbanc.com


       CoVest Banc Branch
         Offices:
                                749 Lee Street
                                Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
                                (847) 294-6500

                                770 W. Dundee Road
                                Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
                                (847) 577-8100

                                2601 W. Schaumburg Road
                                Schaumburg, Illinois 60194
                                (847) 798-2800


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      36

<PAGE>

       CoVest Banc
          Mortgage Centers:
                                1771 N. Richmond Rd.
                                McHenry,  Illinois  60050
                                (800) 995-6750

                                1187 N. Farnsworth Rd.
                                Aurora, Illinois  60505
                                (888) 520-9255

       CoVest Investment
         Center:                6447 W. Cermak Rd.
                                Berwyn, Illinois  60402
                                (708) 484-8403


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      37

<PAGE>

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,                                    1998          1997          1996           1995         1994
                                                ----          ----          ----           ----         ----

                                                                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                        <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Selected financial condition data
    Total assets                           $   548,697    $   582,722   $   541,169   $   622,500   $   523,213
    Loans receivable (net)                     402,329        377,509       338,545       331,017       346,960
    Total investments                           88,017        164,172       172,876       255,418       152,471
    Non-earning assets                          18,674         17,571        16,911        18,716        17,006
    Deposits                                   364,535        371,752       402,090       454,656       409,640
    Other borrowings                           126,755        151,956        78,690        97,835        47,000
    Non-interest bearing liabilities            10,456         10,720        10,445        12,332         9,726
    Stockholders' equity                        46,951         48,294        49,944        57,678        56,847

Selected operations data
    Total interest income                       40,943         39,364        42,377        40,854        30,749
    Total interest expense                      24,739         23,914        29,241        26,727        16,314
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

    Net interest income                         16,204         15,450        13,136        14,127        14,435

    Provision for possible loan losses           1,567          4,072         1,397           644            36
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

    Net interest income after provision         14,637         11,378        11,739        13,483        14,075
    Total non-interest income                    5,579          3,672         4,241         1,217         1,020
    Special SAIF assessment                          -              -         3,033             -             -
    Total non-interest expense                  14,245         11,305        10,818        10,722         9,490
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

    Income before income tax expense             5,971          3,745         2,129         3,978         5,605
    Income tax expense                           2,100          1,135           540         1,367         1,985
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------

    Net income                             $     3,871    $     2,610   $     1,589   $     2,611   $     3,620
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      38

<PAGE>

SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS AND OTHER DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31;                               1998          1997         1996         1995         1994
                                                      ----          ----         ----         ----         ----
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Performance ratios:
   Return on assets (ratio of net income to
     average total assets)                            0.67%         0.48%        0.26%        0.46%        0.80%

   Interest rate spread information
      Average during year                             2.53%         2.42%        1.72%        2.08%        2.78%
      End of year                                     2.67%         2.52%        2.41%        1.86%        2.63%

   Interest margin                                    2.96%         2.94%        2.22%        2.59%        3.28%

   Ratio of operating expenses to average
     total assets                                     2.47%         2.08%        2.29%        1.90%        2.10%

   Ratio of net interest income to non-interest
     expenses                                         1.14x         1.37x        0.95x        1.32x        1.52x

   Basic earnings per share                          $0.92         $0.61        $0.34        $0.51        $0.67

   Diluted earnings per share                        $0.87         $0.58        $0.32        $0.50        $0.65

   Return on stockholders' equity (ratio of
     net income to average total equity)              8.15%         5.40%        2.94%        4.67%        6.13%

   Dividend payout ratio                             35.55%        47.70%       82.22%       40.30%       37.93%

Asset quality ratios:
   Non-performing assets to total assets at
     end of year                                      0.19%         0.22%        0.16%        0.11%        0.04%

   Allowance for possible loan losses to
     non-performing loans                             4.22x         3.05x        1.66x        2.02x        7.60x

Capital ratios:
   Stockholders' equity to total assets at
     end of year                                      8.56%         8.29%        9.23%        9.27%       10.86%

   Average stockholders' equity to
     average assets                                   8.25%         8.88%        8.92%        9.92%       13.05%

Ratio of average interest-earning assets to
  average interest-bearing liabilities                1.10x         1.12x        1.10x        1.11x        1.14x

Other data
    Facilities
       Number of full-service offices                 3             3            3            3            2
       Number of mortgage centers                     2             -            -            -            -
       Number of investment centers                   1             -            -            -            -
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      39

<PAGE>

ITEM 7.      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
             AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
The Company's assets decreased 5.8% to $548.7 million as of December 31, 
1998, from $582.7 million at December 31, 1997. This decrease was primarily 
the result of the liquidation of a $50 million arbitrage transaction entered 
into in November, 1997 that matured in November, 1998. Management of the 
Company is continuing its restructuring of the balance sheet to that of a 
full service commercial bank. Commercial type lending increased by $119.7 
million during 1998. This increase was comprised of the following: 
Multi-family lending increased by $51.1 million, followed by increases of 
$31.6 million in construction lending, $23.9 million in commercial/municipal 
leases, $10.6 million in commercial real estate loans and $2.5 million in 
commercial lending.

For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company earned $3.9 million, an 
increase of $1.3 million from 1997.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND DIVIDENDS
The Company paid regular quarterly dividends during 1998 of $.08 per share. 
The Company has also announced an $.08 per share dividend payable March 31, 
1999, to shareholders of record on March 15, 1999.

The Company completed its 13th stock repurchase plan for 100,000 shares on 
August 7, 1998. On August 25, 1998, the Company announced its 14th stock 
repurchase plan, which enabled the Company to repurchase up to 100,000 shares 
in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. That 
repurchase plan was completed on December 29, 1998.

GENERAL
On June 30, 1992, the Bank converted from a federally chartered mutual 
savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank. The Bank issued all 
of its common stock to the Company, and concurrently, the Company issued 
3,220,000 shares of Common Stock at $10 per share, pre-split, all pursuant to 
a plan of conversion (the `Conversion'). As part of the Conversion, proceeds 
were used to purchase the stock of the Bank. In August, 1997 the Bank was 
converted to a national bank.

The Company's business activities currently consists of ownership of the 
Bank, and investments in other debt and equity securities. The Bank's 
principal business activities consist of attracting deposits from the public 
and investing these deposits, together with funds generated from operations 
and borrowings, primarily in commercial real estate and commercial loans, 
consumer loans, securities and mortgage-backed securities. In addition, the 
Bank has a subsidiary which provides insurance and brokerage services. The 
Bank's deposit accounts are insured to the maximum allowable by the FDIC.

The Bank's results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest 
income, which is the difference between the interest earned on its loans and 
mortgage-backed securities and other securities portfolios, and the interest 
paid on deposits and borrowed funds. The Bank's operating results are also 
affected, to a lesser extent, by loan commitment fees, deposit related 
charges and other income. Operating expenses of the Bank include employee 
compensation and benefits, equipment and occupancy costs, federal deposit 
insurance premiums and other administrative expenses.

The Bank's results of operations are further affected by economic and 
competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates. 
Results are also affected by monetary and fiscal policies of federal 
agencies, and actions of regulatory authorities.

The Company's basic mission is to continue to serve its local communities by 
offering profitable financial services. In seeking to accomplish this 
mission, management is committed to (i) maintaining tangible capital 


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      40

<PAGE>

in excess of regulatory requirements, (ii) maintaining high asset quality, 
(iii) maximizing interest rate spread, and (iv) managing exposure to interest 
rate risk.

The following information for the Company is presented on a consolidated 
basis. Except as the context otherwise requires, references to the "Company" 
refer to the Company, the Bank, and the Bank's subsidiary, CoVest 
Investments, Inc. The discussion and analysis that follows should be read in 
conjunction with the financial statements, notes, and tables presented 
herein. The information provided below has been rounded in order to simplify 
presentation. However, ratios and percentages are calculated using the 
detailed financial information.

BUSINESS STRATEGY
Management of the Company has accomplished much of the restructuring 
necessary to fully transform the balance sheet to that of a full service 
commercial bank.

In 1996, the Company sold over $93 million of securitized 15 and 30 year 
fixed rate mortgage-backed securities and replaced most of those fixed rate 
assets with shorter term floating rate instruments. In the process of 
completing this restructuring, the Company generated net gains of over $2.6 
million, or approximately $1.5 million after related taxes. In December, 
1996, the Company securitized $61 million in fixed rate long-term mortgages 
and seven to ten year balloon mortgages with the FHLMC. These securities were 
classified as available-for-sale mortgage backed securities. Some of these 
were sold in 1997 to reduce interest rate risk and provide additional funding 
for commercial related loans. In 1997, the Company securitized $17.8 million 
of residential fixed rate mortgages that were not scheduled to reprice in the 
next five years. Additional securitized loans were sold in 1998 to provide 
liquidity and fund commercial, multi-family, construction, and commercial 
real estate loan originations. In 1998, the Company opened mortgage centers 
in McHenry and Aurora, Illinois. The Mortgage Centers concentrate on mortgage 
loan originations and sales. The loans are sold on a service released basis 
to mortgage buyers for which the Company receives a fee and has no additional 
rights.

These changes allow the Company to concentrate on filling the void left by 
the consolidation of competing financial institutions in its marketplace and 
to serve, "on a timely basis", those commercial lending customers who may 
need a commercial loan, a commercial real estate loan, a construction loan or 
multi-family loan. The Company's ability to serve this market helped to 
expand the commercial related portfolio by $119.7 million during 1998. Most 
of this increase came in multi-family loans which increased by $51.1 million, 
followed by increases of $31.6 million in construction lending, $23.9 million 
in commercial leases, $10.6 million in commercial real estate lending and 
$2.5 million in commercial loans.

Changing the Bank's name in June, 1997 from First Federal Bank to CoVest Banc 
and changing the Bank's charter affiliation in August, 1997 from a thrift to 
a national bank helped attract customers who may not have previously 
associated with First Federal Bank because of the perception that the Bank 
was a savings and loan whose core business revolved around first mortgages to 
the retail sector.

Total deposits decreased 2% to $364.5 million from $371.8 million at December 
31, 1997. The deposit base of the organization is also undergoing a 
transformation. In 1996, the Company offered a Preferred Money Market account 
with a competitive rate tied to the weekly 91-day treasury bill auction. The 
marketplace responded positively as the growth in this deposit type increased 
by 50% over the ending balance in 1997.

The Company continues to strive to build the volume of non-interest bearing 
checking accounts coupled with a "direct deposit" function. This transaction 
account is another core account of a community bank. From the Company's 
perspective it also helps improve non-interest income and will help to 
improve the net interest margin. The Company offers promotions to attract new 
checking accounts and provides additional services to make these accounts 
more desirable. These services include telephone banking and a Debit Card 
that can be used as a credit card or at automated teller machines for the 
withdrawal or deposit of money. PC Banking was introduced in 1998.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      41

<PAGE>

Certificates of deposit have declined from $219.8 million at December 31, 
1997 to $187.5 on December 31, 1998. This decline may be attributed, in part, 
to the transfer of funds to the market rate driven Preferred Money Market 
Accounts during times of volatile interest rates and stock market 
fluctuations.

In setting rates, the Company regularly evaluates (i) its investment and 
lending opportunities, (ii) its internal cost of funds, (iii) the rates being 
offered by competing institutions and (iv) its liquidity position. In order 
to decrease the volatility of its deposits, the Company imposes penalties on 
early withdrawal on its certificates of deposit. The Company currently has 
brokered deposits; however, no commissions are paid. The decline in overall 
deposits has been augmented by additional borrowings at the FHLB where funds 
can be competitively purchased in the wholesale market in large dollar 
amounts.

At December 31, 1998, total non-performing assets amounted to $ 1.0 million, 
or 0.25% of net loans receivable compared to $1.3 million, or 0.35% of net 
loans receivable at December 31, 1997.

At December 31, 1998, the allowance for possible loan losses amounted to 
almost $4.3 million, or 422% of non-performing loans as compared to a 305% 
coverage at December 31, 1997.

Stockholders' equity in CoVest Bancshares, Inc. totaled $47 million at 
December 31, 1998. The number of common shares outstanding was 4,210,615 and 
the book value per common share outstanding was $11.15 as of December 31, 
1998. At March 5, 1999, approximately 91,000 shares remained to be 
repurchased under the 15th stock repurchase program.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND
DECEMBER 31, 1997


GENERAL
Net income for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $3,871,000 compared to 
$2,610,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of 48%.

In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company reevaluated its loan mix, rescored 
its credit card portfolio, assessed its recent loan loss experience, and 
decided to provide an extra $2.4 million in loan loss provision. Without this 
additional provision, net income for 1997 would have been $4,080,000.

Returns on average assets and average stockholders' equity during 1998 were 
0.67% and 8.15%, respectively, compared to 0.48% and 5.40% in 1997.

CoVest Bancshares, Inc. had earnings of 92 cents per share (basic) for the 
full year of 1998. This compares with 61 cents per share (basic) for the 
comparable period in 1997. Fully diluted earnings per share was 87 cents per 
share in 1998 versus 58 cents per share in 1997.

INTEREST INCOME
Interest income for 1998 increased by $1.6 million from 1997. The balance 
sheet averaged $28 million more in average earning assets when compared to 
1997, resulting in an additional $3.8 million in income in 1998. Some of this 
increase was offset by a decrease of $21.1 million in investment volume, 
resulting in a reduction of $2.2 million in 1998 income. In addition, the 
overall yield on earning assets decreased 9 basis points, from 7.49% in 1997 
to 7.40% in 1998.

INTEREST EXPENSE
The interest expense for the same periods increased from $23.9 million in 
1997 to $24.7 million in 1998. This $.8 million increase in funding cost 
resulted from an increase in funding liability volume of over $33.4 million 
offset in part by reduced interest costs of 20 basis points.


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                                      42

<PAGE>

NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income increased by nearly 5% or $.8 million. The interest rate 
spread and margin averaged 2.53% and 2.96%, respectively, during 1998, an 11 
basis point increase and 2 basis point increase from 2.42% and 2.94%, 
respectively, during 1997. During 1998, commercial, construction, and 
commercial real estate loans became a larger percentage of the overall loan 
portfolio and asset mix. However, since many of these loans were adjustable 
rate, yields dropped in conjunction with an overall drop in rates experienced 
by the economy during 1998.

PROVISION FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES
The provision for possible loan losses decreased from $4,072,000 for 1997 to 
$1,567,000 in 1998. During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company provided 
an extra $2.4 million in loan loss provision after evaluating its loan mix, 
rescoring its credit card portfolio, and reviewing its recent loan loss 
experience. The credit card loan portfolio experienced continuing losses from 
bankruptcy and was sold in November, 1998. The commercial related loan 
portfolio that represents commercial, commercial real estate, construction 
and multi-family lending increased in total volume by almost $120 million 
during 1998, or almost 140% in one year.

NON-INTEREST INCOME
Non-interest income, excluding gains from sales of securities and a 
non-recurring gain from the sale of the credit card loan portfolio of 
$672,000, increased 93%, or $2,257,000 from 1997. Mortgage Center service 
release and other fees contributed $1,712,000 in non-interest income. Loan 
charges and servicing fees increased $459,000, primarily due to collection of 
loan prepayment penalties. Deposit related fees increased by $126,000.

Net gains from the sale of securities were $225,000. This included a net loss 
of $560,000 recognized in November, 1998 to unwind an arbitrage transaction.

During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Bank entered into an arbitrage 
transaction. Using FHLB borrowings of $50 million that matured in late 1998, 
the Bank purchased two large mortgage-backed security pools that were 
structured as 3/1 adjustable rate mortgages ("ARMs"). A 3/1 ARM is an 
adjustable rate mortgage that is fixed for the first three year period and 
then reprices at a spread over the one year constant maturity term treasury. 
The transaction was projected to have an average spread of 72 basis points 
and employ excess capital, thus improving the return on average equity for 
the period of the transaction. However, interest rates dropped dramatically, 
with the 30 year treasury rate falling from 6.04% at the end of November 1997 
to a historic low of 4.72% on October 5, 1998. Borrowers who had previously 
financed their mortgage loans using this type of lending structure refinanced 
their outstanding balances in record numbers and prepayment speeds reached 
record levels, which was detrimental to this transaction.

Since the two mortgage-backed securities were purchased at a premium, 
amortization of the premium accelerated, which caused an overall reduction in 
the projected spread from 72 basis points down to a negative 34 basis points. 
Additionally, a liquidity crisis reportedly caused by instability in Russia 
and Brazil caused spreads between all financial instruments and treasury 
securities to widen to historic levels in November, 1998 when the borrowings 
with the FHLB matured and the securities were sold to repay the borrowings.

In November 1998, the Bank sold its credit card portfolio and recognized a 
gain of $672,000 before termination expenses of $137,000. The size of the 
credit card portfolio had decreased one-third over the last several years to 
approximately $11 million, at the time of the sale. The portfolio was not 
attracting new customers and was declining in size as current customers took 
advantage of "teaser" rates, "rebates" and "rewards" programs offered by the 
industry giants.

The level of losses related to the credit card portfolio also entered into 
the decision to sell the portfolio. Losses from both bankruptcy and credit 
losses over the last three years topped at least $1.1 million annually, while 
operating costs continued to increase.


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                                      43

<PAGE>

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Other operating expenses increased 26% or $2,940,000. The largest increase 
came in salaries and benefits that jumped $1,876,000 or 34.7%. Additional 
staff have been added to serve both commercial and retail customers in 
providing prompt loan and deposit related request responses. Additionally, in 
1998 the Bank paid $699,000 in commission and incentive payments, primarily 
to Mortgage Center personnel. Occupancy and equipment expenses increased by 
17.6% or $307,000 due to extensive remodeling of the three branches and 
purchase of new furniture. Expenses were also incurred to provide facilities 
and equipment for Mortgage Center employees.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND
DECEMBER 31, 1996


GENERAL
Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $2,610,000 compared to 
$1,589,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of 64%. During 
1996, the one-time special assessment of $3,033,000, pre-tax, was incurred to 
recapitalize SAIF. This non-recurring charge was offset by net gains on the 
sales of securities of approximately $2.6 million, or $1.5 million, after 
related taxes. Without the effect of these non-recurring items, net income 
for 1996 would have been $3,465,000.

In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company reevaluated its loan mix, rescored 
its credit card portfolio, assessed its recent loan loss experience, and 
decided to provide an extra $2.4 million in loan loss provision. This 
resulted in a net loss for the three months ended December 31, 1997 of 
$735,000, compared to net income of $605,000 for the comparable period in 
1996.

Returns on average assets and average equity during 1997 were 0.48% and 
5.40%, respectively, compared to 0.26% and 2.94% in 1996.

The Company had earnings of 61 cents per share (basic) for the full year of 
1997. This compared with 34 cents per share (basic) for 1996. Fully diluted 
earnings per share was 58 cents per share in 1997 versus 32 cents per share 
in 1996.

INTEREST INCOME
Interest income for 1997 decreased by over $3 million from 1996. The balance 
sheet averaged $67 million less in average earning assets when compared to 
1996. Mortgage backed securities showed the largest decrease in interest 
income as the volume declined by $66.3 million. The volume of securities also 
decreased by over $10 million. Some of this decrease was offset by the 
average increase in volume for loans of $7.7 million. The overall yield on 
earning assets increased 34 basis points, from 7.15% in 1996 to 7.49% in 1997.

INTEREST EXPENSE
The interest expense for the same periods declined from $29.2 million in 1996 
to $23.9 million in 1997. This $5.3 million decline in funding cost resulted 
from a decrease in volume of over $67 million and reduced interest cost of 36 
basis points.

NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income increased by over 17% or $2.3 million. The interest rate 
spread and margin averaged 2.42% and 2.94%, respectively, during 1997, a 70 
and 72 basis point increase from 1.72% and 2.22%, respectively, during 1996. 
This represented increases of 41% in interest rate spread and 32% in net 
interest margin growth.


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                                      44

<PAGE>

PROVISION FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES
The provision for possible loan losses increased from $1,397,000 for 1996 to 
$4,072,000 in 1997. This increase of almost $2.7 million was the result of 
the Company's decision to provide an extra $2.4 million in loan loss 
provision during the fourth quarter of 1997, after evaluating its loan mix, 
rescoring its credit card portfolio, and reviewing its recent loan loss 
experience. Nationally, as well as in the Company's portfolio, credit losses 
from bankruptcy continued to increase, many having no prior evidence of 
delinquency. In 1997, bankruptcies accounted for over $624,000 in losses 
alone. The commercial related loan portfolio that represented commercial, 
commercial real estate, construction and multi-family lending increased in 
total volume by almost $52 million during 1997, or almost 220% in one year.

NON-INTEREST INCOME
Non-interest income, excluding gains from sales of securities and a 
non-recurring death benefit of $187,000, increased 32%, or almost $548,000 
from 1996. An increase in loan charges and servicing fees of $311,000 and 
deposit related charges and fees of $257,000 led the way.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Other operating expenses increased by only 4.5% or $487,000, excluding the 
special 1996 FDIC assessment. The largest increase came in salaries and 
benefits that jumped $563,000 or 11.6%. Additional staff were added to serve 
both the commercial and retail customer in providing prompt loan and deposit 
related request responses. Advertising expenses increased by over 92% during 
1997, as the Company heralded the new name of CoVest and its entrance into 
commercial banking. Finally, data processing expenses increased as the 
Company converted its main frame operations during the third and fourth 
quarters of 1997, in order to offer new deposit and loan related products and 
serve more transaction deposit accounts. These expenses were offset by a 
decrease in federal deposit insurance premium expenses of $859,000.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      45
<PAGE>

NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the total dollar 
amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the 
resultant yields, as well as interest expense on average interest-bearing 
liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Year Ended December 31,
                                                                 -----------------------
                                               1998                        1997                            1996
                                               ----                        ----                            ----

                                                                  (Dollars in Thousands)

                                   Average     Interest            Average   Interest           Average    Interest
                                    Annual      Earned/   Yield/    Annual    Earned/  Yield/    Annual     Earned/   Yield/
                                   Balance       Paid      Rate    Balance     Paid     Rate    Balance      Paid      Rate
                                   -------       ----      ----    -------     ----     ----    -------      ----      ----
<S>                               <C>         <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>
Interest-earning assets
   Commercial loans                $   7,055  $     642    9.11% $   1,607  $     179   11.13% $      11  $      1     7.93%
   Commercial real estate loans       62,174      5,182    8.22%    31,540      2,698    8.44%     6,108       521     8.53%
   Multi-family loans                 27,059      2,120    7.73%       754         62    8.15%
   Construction loans                 23,463      2,208    9.28%     7,187        603    8.28%
   Commercial/municipal leases        31,877      2,093    6.56%     9,169        630    6.87%       481         30    6.29%
   Mortgage                          193,552     14,335    7.41%   247,945     18,412    7.43%   283,375     21,244    7.50%
   Consumer loans                     61,314      5,418    8.84%    59,265      5,602    9.46%    59,815      5,442    9.09%
   Mortgage-backed securities         90,136      5,725    6.35%    99,891      7,018    7.03%   166,106     10,135    6.10%
   Securities                         46,676      2,874    6.16%    58,150      3,740    6.40%    68,163      4,443    6.52%
   Other investments                  10,423        538    5.09%    10,321        437    4.23%     8,806        561    6.37%
                                   ---------  --------- -------  ---------  --------- -------  ---------  --------- -------
   Total interest-earning assets     553,729     41,135    7.40%   525,829     39,381    7.49%   592,865     42,377    7.15%

Non-interest earning assets           22,291                        18,713                        12,241
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------
   TOTAL ASSETS                    $ 576,020                     $ 544,542                     $ 605,106
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------

Interest-bearing liabilities
   Savings accounts                $  55,525  $   1,389    2.50% $  62,297  $   1,574    2.53% $  68,666  $   1,717    2.50%
   NOW accounts                       21,907        266    1.21%    21,798        390    1.79%    21,889        391    1.79%
   Money Market accounts              74,576      3,494    4.69%    50,372      2,439    4.84%    19,515        804    4.12%
   Certificates                      187,810     10,446    5.56%   248,676     14,347    5.77%   320,735     19,990    6.23%
   FHLB advances                     154,644      8,595    5.48%    71,956      4,233    5.99%    89,630      5,368    5.99%
   Other borrowed money               10,358        549    5.15%    16,278        931    5.26%    18,313        971    5.30%
                                   ---------  --------- -------  ---------  --------- -------  ---------  --------- -------
   Total interest-bearing            504,820     24,739    4.87%   471,377     23,914    5.07%   538,748     29,241    5.43%
   liabilities

Other Liabilities                     23,682                        24,824                        12,367
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------
   TOTAL LIABILITIES                 528,502                       496,201                       551,115

Stockholders' equity                  47,518                        48,341                        53,991
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------
   TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
   STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            $ 576,020                     $ 544,542                     $ 605,106
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------
                                   ---------                     ---------                     ---------

  Net interest income                         $ 16,396                      $  15,467                     $  13,136
                                             ---------                      ---------                     ---------
                                             ---------                      ---------                     ---------

Net interest spread                                        2.53%                         2.42%                         1.72%

Net earning assets                 $  48,909                     $  54,452                     $  54,117

Net yield on average interest-                             2.96%                         2.94%                         2.22%
earning assets

Average interest-earning assets to
average interest-bearing liabilities                       1.10X                         1.12X                         1.10X
</TABLE>

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                                      46
<PAGE>

WEIGHTED AVERAGE YIELD ANALYSIS
The following table sets forth the weighted average yields on the Company's
interest-earning assets, the weighted average interest rates on interest-bearing
liabilities, and the interest rate spread between the weighted average yields
and rates at the dates indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        At December 31,
                                                                                -------------------------------
                                                                                1998         1997          1996
                                                                                ----         ----          ----
<S>                                                                             <C>          <C>           <C>
Weighted average yield on
    Commercial loans                                                             8.67%        9.39%        8.06%
    Commercial real estate loans                                                 8.01         8.78         7.37
    Multi-family loans                                                           7.76         8.41           --
    Construction loans                                                           8.75         9.06           --
    Commercial/municipal leases                                                  6.44         7.32         6.22
    Mortgage                                                                     7.33         7.48         7.46
    Consumer loans                                                               8.16         9.39         9.10
    Mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities                              6.44         6.90         6.98
    Securities                                                                   6.07         6.42         6.62
    Other investments                                                            5.09         5.93         6.50
Combined weighted average yield on interest-earning assets                       7.33         7.59         7.46

Weighted average rates paid on
    Savings accounts                                                             2.50         2.50         2.50
    NOW accounts                                                                 1.06         1.80         1.79
    Money market accounts                                                        4.33         4.97         4.57
    Certificates                                                                 5.39         5.73         5.83
    FHLB advances                                                                5.34         5.72         5.91
    Other borrowed money                                                         4.64         5.28         5.28
Combined weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities              4.66         5.07         5.05

Net interest rate spread                                                         2.67         2.52         2.41

</TABLE>

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                                      47

<PAGE>

VOLUME/RATE ANALYSIS
The following schedule presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income
and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities. It distinguishes between the increase related to
higher outstanding balances and that due to changes in interest rates. For each
category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities,
information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume (i.e.,
changes in volume multiplied by old rate) and (2) changes in rate (i.e., changes
in rate multiplied by old volume). For purposes of this table, changes
attributable to both rate and volume which cannot be segregated have been
allocated proportionately to both changes.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1998 vs. 1997                          1997 vs. 1996
                                    -----Increase (Decrease) Due To:-----  ------Increase (Decrease) Due To:----
                                    -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                                                                 Total                                  Total
                                                               Increase                               Increase
                                      Volume        Rate      (Decrease)     Volume         Rate     (Decrease)
                                      ------        ----      ----------     ------         ----     ----------
                                                               (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>       <C>
Interest-earning assets
    Loans receivable                $ 4,198      $  (385)      $ 3,813       $   865       $    84     $   949
    Mortgage-backed and
      related securities               (659)        (634)       (1,293)       (4,039)          922      (3,117)
    Securities and other
      investments                      (633)        (307)         (940)         (788)          (57)       (845)
                                    --------     --------      --------      --------      --------    --------
       Total interest-earning
         assets                       2,906       (1,326)        1,580        (3,962)          949      (3,013)
                                    --------     --------      --------      --------      --------    --------

Interest-bearing liabilities
    NOW accounts                         (2)         126           124            (1)           --          (1)
    Savings accounts                    185           --           185          (143)           --        (143)
    Money markets                    (1,172)         117        (1,055)        1,271           364       1,635
    Certificates                      3,515          386         3,901        (4,530)       (1,113)     (5,643)
    FHLB advances                    (4,917)         555        (4,362)       (1,032)          (28)     (1,060)
    Other borrowed money                 50          332           382          (100)          (15)       (115)
                                    --------     --------      --------      --------      --------    --------
    Total interest-bearing
      liabilities                    (2,341)       1,516          (825)       (4,535)         (792)     (5,327)
                                    --------     --------      --------      --------      --------    --------

    Net change in interest
      income                        $   565      $   189       $   754       $   573       $ 1,741     $ 2,314
                                    --------     --------      --------      --------      --------    --------
                                    --------     --------      --------      --------      --------    --------

</TABLE>

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                                      48

<PAGE>


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

LIQUIDITY
The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest
payments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, and funds provided by other
operations. While scheduled loan and mortgage-backed securities repayments and
maturities of short-term investments are a relatively predictable source of
funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general
interest rates, economic conditions, competition and the restructuring occurring
in the banking industry.

The Company's cash flows are a result of three principal activities: operating
activities, investing activities and financing activities. Net cash received in
operating activities, primarily interest on loans and investments, less interest
paid on deposits and borrowed funds, was $1.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998. Net cash used in investing activities was $51.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998. Securities sales and maturities generated
$133.4 million while principal payments on mortgage-backed and related
securities amounted to $36.7 million. Purchases of investment securities and
mortgage-backed securities were $94.4 million, and loan originations, net of
principal payments, were $32.9 million for the year. Net cash provided by
financial activities amounted to ($36.7) million for the year ended December 31,
1998, and was accounted for mostly by the reduction in borrowings.

The Company uses its liquidity to meet its ongoing commitments to fund maturing
certificates of deposit and deposit withdrawals, repay borrowings, fund existing
and continuing loan commitments, and pay operating expenses. At December 31,
1998, the Company had approved and accepted commitments to originate loans
totaling $18.8 million, and its customers had approved but unused lines of
credit totaling $72.4 million. Additionally, the Company has $10.6 million in
letters of credit and credit enhancements outstanding. The Company considers its
liquidity and capital resources to be adequate to meet its foreseeable short and
long-term needs. The Company expects to be able to fund or refinance, on a
timely basis, its material commitments and long-term liabilities.


CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 1998, the Bank had total risk based capital of $47.2 million.
This was approximately $11.7 million above the 10% ratio required to be "well
capitalized." Tier 1 risk based capital was $42.9 million. This is approximately
$21.6 million or 6% above the required ratio of 6%. The Tier 1 capital leverage
ratio is 7.84%. This is approximately $15.5 million or 2.8% above the required
ratio of 5%. For additional information, see Note 11 of the "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements."


YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE


GENERAL
The Company is devoting significant resources through its operations to minimize
the risk of potential disruption from the Y2K problem. This problem is a result
of computer programs having been written using two digits (rather than four) to
define the year. Any time-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000, which could result in miscalculations
and system failures. The problem could affect non-information technology systems
such as operating and control systems that have embedded chip systems. The
Company is also at risk from Y2K failures on the part of business relationships
with vendors, suppliers, and public utility providers such as electricity,
water, gas and communications.

System failures resulting from the Y2K problem could adversely affect operations
and financial results by incorrectly calculating accrued interest receivable and
payable. Failures could also affect the ability of customers to perform normal
business activities, thereby causing an interruption of their deposits and loan
payments.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      49

<PAGE>

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM
The Company has developed a six-phase plan to resolve Y2K issues that are
reasonably within its control. The plan is implemented and coordinated through a
senior level task force. As of December 31, 1998, ten officer level staff
members were a part of the committee and devoted a minimum of 25% of their time
to the Y2K effort. The Y2K committee chairman reports to the Bank's senior
management committee on a weekly basis and at least quarterly to the Board of
Directors. The Company's Y2K efforts are also reviewed during external and
internal audits and examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The plan and anticipated timing of each phase are described as follows:

PHASE I - AWARENESS
The first phase entailed conducting awareness briefings with all levels of staff
and management, including the Board of Directors, by sharing all pertinent Y2K
related articles, documents and regulatory bulletins. It was necessary to
identify the scope of the Y2K problem and determine the resources available to
minimize the risk. The awareness phase was primarily completed by March 31,
1998, although new information is received, reviewed and shared throughout the
Company on a continuous basis.

PHASE II - ASSESSMENT AND INVENTORY
The second phase required developing a comprehensive list of all information
processing systems (IPS) to include hardware, software, and infrastructure
systems that may be at risk. Once each at-risk system has been identified, the
Y2K task force assessed how critical the system is to business operations and
the potential impact of failure. Systems were classified as "mission critical",
"mission necessary", or "mission desirable". A "mission critical" system is one
that, if not operational, would hinder the Company's operation on the first
business day after the new century. A "mission necessary" system would reflect a
negative impact to the Company's business processes by the 2nd or 3rd business
day. A "mission desirable" system would impact operations within five to ten
business days. The inventory/assessment process was completed by May 31, 1998,
resulting in cataloging nearly 200 systems.

PHASE III - RENOVATION
The third phase assigned a Y2K committee member to each inventory item. It was
that person's responsibility to establish communication relationships with the
vendors for the purpose of obtaining letters of systems certification for Y2K
compliance and the level at which the systems were tested. If the system was not
certified, it would be assigned a reasonable time frame to correct
non-compliance issues and determine a plan of action to replace non-conforming
systems. This phase was completed by July 31, 1998.

PHASE IV - TESTING AND VALIDATION
This phase includes establishing a test environment, performing systems testing,
and certifying and documenting the results. The certification process requires
having functional experts run system tests and review results against
pre-established criteria to ensure compliance. Documentation should be
maintained in the form of data reports and computer print screens. The "mission
critical" systems, other than those associated with the Company's third party
data processor ( M&I Data ) for which the Company will participate in proxy
testing, were completed by December 31, 1998. The Company expects the proxy
tested system and the remainder of the initial "mission necessary" and "mission
desirable" systems to be certified by March 31, 1999. Testing for
non-information technology systems, such as utilities and other infrastructure
systems, has been initiated; however, due to the Company's reliance on their
system test schedule, it is not possible to estimate exactly when this phase
will be completed. These companies have indicated that it is anticipated that
the majority of their testing will be completed in the third quarter of 1999.

PHASE V - CUSTOMER AWARENESS PROGRAM
In this phase, the Company will outline its strategy to develop a proactive
customer awareness program. The plan is to furnish customers and the community
with enough Y2K related information for them to make intelligent, educated
decisions regarding the Company's Y2K readiness and its ability to serve their
banking needs in the next century. Banking customers and members of the
community, where applicable, will receive informational lobby brochures,
statement stuffers, and have questions answered by personal banking


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      50

<PAGE>

representatives. Other methods of disseminating Y2K information in 1999 will be
through seminars, news releases, web-site and direct mail letters.

PHASE VI - BUSINESS RESUMPTION CONTINGENCY PLANS
This phase involves addressing any remaining open issues and points of critical
system failures at year end, 1999. As a precautionary measure, the Company will
develop detailed contingency plans for all systems that are not expected to be
Y2K compliant or have a remote possibility for failure. Contingency plans
consist of alternative automated systems, internal stand alone computer
spreadsheets, and various manual fallback procedures.

COSTS
As of December 31, 1998, costs had been incurred of approximately $32,000
related to the Y2K project, of which $24,000 has been capitalized. The estimated
additional costs to complete the project are expected to be approximately
$110,000, of which $50,000 is expected to be capitalized. The remaining costs
are allocated to training, education, marketing and contingency plans. The
Company is using current staff and other internal resources to manage the Y2K
project. The Company does not expect these redeployments of resources to have a
material adverse effect on other ongoing business operations. All the costs of
the Y2K project are incurred from operating cash flows.

At the present time, management believes that the majority of all mission
critical and mission necessary date-related software and systems will remain
operating properly after January 1, 2000. The Company does not anticipate that
internal systems failures will result in any material adverse effect to its
operational or financial condition. During 1999, the Company will continue its
efforts to insure that providers of infrastructure services, such as utilities
and communication companies, will be compliant by the Year 2000. At this time,
management believes that the most likely "worst-case" scenario involves
potential disruption of service from third party vendors whose systems may not
work after January 1, 2000, and the Company must rely on their testing results.
While such failures could affect Bank operations in a significant manner, the
Company cannot estimate the likelihood or the potential cost of the failures.

The Company's year 2000 plan is revised periodically as some goals are completed
and new issues are identified. It is important to note that the description of
the plan involves estimates and projections with respect to some activities
required in the future which are subject to possible substantial changes or
corrections.



ACCOUNTING MATTERS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (Statement) No. 133 on derivatives
will, in 2000, require all derivatives to be recorded at fair value in the
balance sheet, with changes in fair value charged or credited to income. If
derivatives are documented and effective as hedges, the change in the derivative
fair value will be offset by an equal change in the fair value of the hedged
item. Under the new standard, securities held-to-maturity can no longer be
hedged, except for changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. Therefore, upon
adoption of Statement No. 133, companies will have another one-time window of
opportunity to reclassify held-to-maturity securities to either trading or
available-for-sale, provided certain criteria are met. This Statement may be
adopted early at the start of a calendar quarter. Since the Company has no
significant derivative instruments or hedging activities, adoption of Statement
No. 133 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial
statements. Management has not decided whether to adopt Statement No. 133 early.

Statement No. 134 on mortgage banking will, in 1999, allow mortgage loans that
are securitized to be classified as trading; available-for-sale; or, in certain
circumstances, held-to-maturity. Currently, these must be classified as trading.
Since the Company does not intend to securitize mortgage loans, Statement No.
134 is not expected to affect the Company.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      51
<PAGE>

American Institute of Certified Public Accountant Statement of Position 98-1,
effective in 1999, sets the accounting requirement to capitalize costs incurred
to develop or obtain software that is to be used solely to meet internal needs.
Costs to capitalize are those direct costs incurred after the preliminary
project stage, up to the date when all testing has been completed and the
software is substantially ready for use. All training costs, research and
development costs, costs incurred to convert data, and all other general and
administrative costs are to be expensed as incurred. The capitalized cost of
internal-use software is amortized over its useful life and reviewed for
impairment using the criteria in Statement No. 121. Statement of Position 98-1
is not expected to have material impact on the Company.

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position 98-5,
also effective in 1999, requires all start-up, pre-opening, and organization
costs to be expensed as incurred. Any such costs previously capitalized for
financial reporting purposes must be written off to income at the start of the
year. Statement of Position 98-5 is not expected to have a material impact on
the Company.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board continues to study several issues,
including recording all financial instruments at fair value and abolishing
pooling-of-interests accounting. Also, it is likely that APB25's measurement for
stock option plans will be limited to employees and not to non-employees such as
directors, thereby causing compensation expense to be required for 1999 awards
of stock options to outside directors.


ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
In an attempt to manage the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates,
management closely monitors interest rate risk. Management has an
Asset/Liability Committee, consisting of senior officers, which meets monthly to
review the interest rate risk position and make recommendations for adjusting
such position. In addition, the Board reviews the position on a monthly basis,
including simulations of the effect on the Company's capital of various interest
rate scenarios.

In managing its asset/liability mix, the Bank may place greater or less emphasis
on maximizing net interest margin than on better matching the interest rate
sensitivity of its assets and liabilities in an effort to improve its capital,
depending on the relationship between long and short-term interest rates, market
conditions, and consumer preferences. Management believes that the increased net
income resulting from a mismatch in the maturity of its assets and liability
portfolios can, during periods of declining or stable interest rates, provide
high enough returns to justify the increased exposure to sudden and unexpected
increases in interest rates which can result from such a mismatch. As a result,
the Company may be somewhat more exposed to rapid increases in interest rates
than some other institutions which concentrate principally on matching the
duration of their assets and liabilities.

The business of the Company and the composition of its balance sheet consists of
investments in interest-earning assets (primarily loans and mortgage-backed
securities) which are primarily funded by interest-bearing liabilities (deposits
and borrowings). Such financial instruments have varying levels of sensitivity
to changes in market interest rates resulting in market risk. Other than loans
which are originated and held for sale, all of the financial instruments of the
Company are for other than trading purposes.

Interest rate risk results when the maturity or repricing intervals and interest
rate indices of the interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, and
off-balance sheet financial instruments are different, creating a risk that
changes in the level of market interest rates will result in disproportionate
changes in the value of, and the net earnings generated from, the Company's
interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, and off-balance sheet
financial instruments. The Company's exposure to interest rate risk is managed
primarily through the Company's strategy of selecting the types and terms of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which generate
favorable earnings, while limiting the potential negative effects of changes in
market interest rates. Since the Company's primary source of interest-bearing
liabilities is customer deposits, the Company's ability to manage the types and
terms of such deposits may be somewhat limited by customer preferences in the
market areas in which the Company operates. Borrowings, which include FHLB
Advances, short-term

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      52
<PAGE>

borrowings, and long-term borrowings, are generally structured with specific 
terms which in management's judgment, when aggregated with the terms for 
outstanding deposits and matched with interest-earning assets, mitigate the 
Company's exposure to interest rate risk. The rates, terms and interest rate 
indices of the Company's interest-earning assets result primarily from the 
Company's strategy of investing in loans and securities (a substantial 
portion of which have adjustable-rate terms) which permit the Company to 
limit its exposure to interest rate risk, together with credit risk, while at 
the same time achieving a positive interest rate spread from the difference 
between the income earned on interest-earning assets and the cost of 
interest-bearing liabilities.

SIGNIFICANT ASSUMPTIONS UTILIZED IN MANAGING INTEREST RATE RISK
Managing the Company's exposure to interest rate risk involves significant
assumptions about the prepayments of loans or early withdrawal of deposits and
the relationship of various interest rate indices of certain financial
instruments.

A substantial portion of the Company's loans and mortgage-backed securities are
dependent on residential mortgage loans which permit the borrower to prepay the
principal balance of the loan prior to maturity ("prepayments") without penalty.
A loan's propensity for prepayment is dependent upon a number of factors,
including the current interest rate and interest rate index (if any) on the
loan, the financial ability of the borrower to refinance, the economic benefit
to be obtained from refinancing, availability of refinancing at attractive
terms, as well as economic and other factors in specific geographic areas which
affect the sales and price levels of residential property. In a changing
interest rate environment, prepayments may increase or decrease on fixed-and
adjustable-rate loans depending on the current relative levels and expectations
of future short- and long-term interest rates. Prepayments on ARM loans
generally increase when long-term interest rates fall or are at historically low
levels relative to short-term interest rates making fixed-rate loans more
desirable.

Securities, other than those with early call provisions, generally repay
pursuant to specific terms until maturity. While savings and checking deposits
generally may be withdrawn upon the customer's request without prior notice, a
continuing relationship with customers resulting in future deposits and
withdrawals is generally predictable resulting in a dependable and
uninterruptible source of funds. Time deposits generally have early withdrawal
penalties, while term FHLB Advances have prepayment penalties, which discourage
customer withdrawal of time deposits and prepayment of FHLB Advances prior to
maturity.

The Company's ARM loans are primarily indexed to the One Year Constant Maturity
Treasury Index. When such loans and mortgage-backed securities are funded by
interest-bearing liabilities which are determined by other indices, primarily
deposits and FHLB Advances, a changing interest rate environment may result in
different levels of change in the different indices leading to disproportionate
changes in the value of, and the net earnings generated from, the Company's
financial instruments. Each index is unique and is influenced by different
external factors, therefore, the historical relationships in various indices may
not necessarily be indicative of the actual change which may result in a
changing interest rate environment.


INTEREST RATE RISK MEASUREMENT
In addition to periodic gap reports comparing the sensitivity of
interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities to changes in interest
rates, management utilizes a monthly report ("model") which measures the
Company's exposure to interest rate risk. The model calculates the present value
of assets, liabilities, off-balance sheet financial instruments, and equity at
current interest rates, and at hypothetical higher and lower interest rates at
one percent intervals. The present value of each major category of financial
instrument is calculated by the model using estimated cash flows based on
weighted average contractual rates and terms at discount rates representing the
estimated current market interest rate for similar financial instruments. The
resulting present value of longer term fixed-rate financial instruments are more
sensitive to change in a higher or lower market interest rate scenario, while
adjustable-rate financial instruments largely reflect only a change in present
value representing the difference between the contractual and discounted rates
until the next interest rate repricing date.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      53

<PAGE>

The following table presents the Company's current exposure to hypothetical
changes in interest rates as of December 31,

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          1998                                             1997
                        -------------------------------------------     ------------------------------------------
Changes in              Percent Change        Percent Change in         Percent Change        Percent Change in
Interest Rates          in Net Interest       MV of Portfolio           in Net Interest       MV of Portfolio
(basis points)          Income                Equity                    Income                Equity
- -------------------     ------------------    ---------------------     ------------------    --------------------
<S>                     <C>                   <C>                       <C>                   <C>

       +200                   -11%                    -23%                     -9%                   -16%
       +100                    -5                     -12                      -4                     -8
          0                     0                       0                       0                      0
       -100                    +5                     +13                      +4                    +10
       -200                   +11                     +27                      +7                    +20

</TABLE>


The percentage change in net interest income and the market value of portfolio
equity as of December 31, 1998 demonstrate larger percentage changes than the
Company's exposure at December 31, 1997 due to a larger increase in the
Company's floating rate liabilities and a lesser increase in floating rate
assets during 1998.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the
foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have
similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees
to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types
of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest
rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market
rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans,
have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and
over the life of the loan. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates,
prepayment and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those
assumed in calculating the tables. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to
service their debt may decrease in the event of a significant interest rate
increase.

In addition, the previous table does not necessarily indicate the impact of
general interest rate movements on the Company's net interest income because the
repricing of certain categories of assets and liabilities are subject to
competitive and other pressures beyond the Company's control. As a result,
certain assets and liabilities indicated as maturing or otherwise repricing
within a stated period may in fact mature or reprice at different times and at
different volumes.


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                      54

`<PAGE>

                                          
                                          
                           REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



Board of Directors and Stockholders
CoVest Bancshares, Inc.
Des Plaines, Illinois


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of CoVest Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998.  These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CoVest Bancshares,
Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




                                        Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP

Oak Brook, Illinois
January 29, 1999








- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                          55
<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                             DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
                         (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1998          1997  
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C>      
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
   Cash on hand and in banks                                                        $  18,395     $   5,670
   Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions                           21,282        17,800
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                       39,677        23,470
Securities 
   Securities available-for-sale                                                       44,766        35,840
   Mortgage-backed and related securities available-for-sale                           34,872       120,753
   Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock                          8,379         7,579
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                       88,017       164,172
Loans and leases receivable, net 
   Loans receivable                                                                   406,641       381,486
   Less allowance for possible loan and lease losses                                    4,312         3,977
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                      402,329       377,509
Accrued interest receivable                                                             3,280         3,487
Premises and equipment                                                                 11,372        10,767
Other assets                                                                            4,022         3,317
                                                                                    ---------     ---------

                                                                                    $ 548,697     $ 582,722
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                    ---------     ---------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
   Deposits
      Non-interest-bearing                                                          $  14,998     $  14,112
      Interest-bearing checking                                                        23,825        21,153
      Money Market accounts                                                            85,209        57,158
      Savings accounts                                                                 52,990        59,562
      Certificates of deposit                                                         187,513       219,767
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                      364,535       371,752

   Short-term borrowings                                                                6,755        76,956
   Long-term borrowing from Federal Home Loan Bank                                    120,000        75,000
   Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance                                      3,637         2,914
   Accrued expenses and other liabilities                                               6,819         7,806
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                      501,746       534,428
Stockholders' equity 
   Preferred stock - par value $.01 per share; 100,000 authorized shares; 
    no shares outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997                                     -            --
   Common stock - par value $.01 per share; 7,500,000 authorized shares; 
    4,403,803 and 4,365,761 shares issued at December 31, 1998 and 1997, 
    respectively                                                                           44            44
   Additional paid-in capital                                                          18,967        19,365
   Retained earnings                                                                   30,905        28,410
   Treasury stock, 1998 - 193,188 shares; 1997 - 0 shares, at cost                     (3,017)           --
   Unearned stock awards                                                                  (73)          (73)
   ESOP loan                                                                             (161)         (511)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                 286         1,059
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                       46,951        48,294
                                                                                    ---------     ---------

                                                                                    $ 548,697     $ 582,722
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
                                                                                    ---------     ---------
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                          56
<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1998          1997          1996
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>      
Interest income
   Loans and leases receivable                                                      $  31,998     $  28,186     $  27,237
   Mortgage-backed and related securities                                               5,725         7,018        10,135
   Securities                                                                           2,082         3,207         4,148
   Other interest and dividend income                                                   1,138           953           857
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                                       40,943        39,364        42,377

Interest expense 
   Deposits                                                                            15,595        18,750        22,902
   Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank                                                 8,595         4,308         5,368
   Other borrowed funds                                                                   549           856           971
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                                       24,739        23,914        29,241
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                                                    16,204        15,450        13,136

Provision for possible loan losses                                                      1,567         4,072         1,397
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES                           14,637        11,378        11,739

Noninterest income
   Loan charges and servicing fees                                                      1,544         1,085           774
   Mortgage center fees                                                                 1,712             -             -
   Deposit related charges and fees                                                       968           842           585
   Gain on sale of  securities                                                            225         1,247         2,551
   Gain on sale of credit card loans                                                      672             -             -
   Other                                                                                  458           498           331
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
      Total noninterest income                                                          5,579         3,672         4,241

Noninterest expense
   Compensation and benefits                                                            7,286         5,410         4,847
   Commissions and incentives                                                             699             -             -
   Occupancy and equipment                                                              2,047         1,740         1,468
   Federal deposit insurance premium                                                      222           203         1,062
   Special SAIF assessment                                                                  -             -         3,033
   Data processing                                                                      1,047         1,000           798
   Advertising                                                                            384           640           334
   Other                                                                                2,560         2,312         2,309
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
      Total noninterest expense                                                        14,245        11,305        13,851
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                                              5,971         3,745         2,129

Income tax provision                                                                    2,100         1,135           540
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------

NET INCOME                                                                          $   3,871     $   2,610     $   1,589
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------

Earnings per common share 
   Basic                                                                            $     .92     $     .61     $     .34
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------

   Diluted                                                                          $     .87     $     .58     $     .32
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                          57
<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Additional                                
                                               Common        Paid-In        Retained       Treasury   
                                               Stock         Capital        Earnings        Stock     
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------  
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>          
Balance at                           
  January 1, 1996                           $        28    $    27,229        $39,373    $    (9,397) 
Cash dividend ($.25 per share)                        -              -         (1,221)             -  
Issuance of stock in connection 
  with exercise of  stock options                     -              -           (542)         1,030  
Purchase of stock                                     -              -              -         (8,053) 
Issuance of stock in connection 
  with three-for-two stock split 
  with cash paid on fractional 
  shares                                              6         (5,379)        (5,209)        10,582  
Payment on ESOP loan                                  -              -              -              -  
Stock award earned                                    -              -              -              -  
Tax benefits related to 
  employee  stock plans                               -            305              -              -  
Comprehensive income
    Net income                                        -              -          1,589              -  
    Net decrease in fair value 
      of securities  classified as
      available-for-sale, net of 
      income taxes and 
      reclassification adjustments                    -              -              -              -  
        Total comprehensive
         income
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------  

Balance at 
  December 31, 1996                                  34         22,155         33,990         (5,838) 
Cash dividend ($.28 per share)                        -              -         (1,245)             -  
Issuance of stock in connection
  with exercise of  stock options                     -              -           (882)         1,783  
Purchase of stock                                     -              -              -         (5,302) 
Issuance of stock in connection 
  with three-for-two stock 
  split with cash paid on 
  fractional shares                                  10         (3,304)        (6,063)         9,357  
Payment on ESOP loan                                  -              -              -              -  
Tax benefits related to 
  employee  stock plans                               -            514              -              -  
Comprehensive income
    Net income                                        -              -          2,610              -  
    Net increase in fair value of
      securities classified as
      available-for-sale, net of
      income taxes and
      reclassification adjustments                    -              -              -              -  
        Total comprehensive
         income
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------  

Balance at 
  December 31, 1997                                  44         19,365         28,410              -  

<CAPTION>
                                                                           Accumulated                
                                                                              Other           Total   
                                               Unearned                      Compre-         Stock-   
                                                Stock           ESOP         hensive        holders'  
                                                Awards          Loan          Income         Equity   
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------- 
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>                        
Balance at                                                                                            
  January 1, 1996                             $      (97)   $    (1,198)   $     1,739    $    57,677 
Cash dividend ($.25 per share)                         -              -              -         (1,221)
Issuance of stock in connection                                                                       
  with exercise of  stock options                      -              -              -            488 
Purchase of stock                                      -              -              -         (8,053)
Issuance of stock in connection                                                                       
  with three-for-two stock split                                                                      
  with cash paid on fractional                                                                        
  shares                                               -              -              -              - 
Payment on ESOP loan                                   -            340              -            340 
Stock award earned                                    24              -              -             24 
Tax benefits related to                                                                               
  employee  stock plans                                -              -              -            305 
Comprehensive income                                                                                  
    Net income                                         -              -              -          1,589 
    Net decrease in fair value                                                                        
      of securities  classified as                                                                    
      available-for-sale, net of                                                                      
      income taxes and                                                                                
      reclassification adjustments                     -              -         (1,205)        (1,205)
                                                                                          ----------- 
        Total comprehensive
         income                                                                                   384
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------- 
                                                                                                      
Balance at                                                                                            
  December 31, 1996                                  (73)          (858)           534         49,944 
Cash dividend ($.28 per share)                         -              -              -         (1,245)
Issuance of stock in connection                                                                       
  with exercise of  stock options                      -              -              -            901 
Purchase of stock                                      -              -              -         (5,302)
Issuance of stock in connection                                                                       
  with three-for-two stock                                                                            
  split with cash paid on                                                                             
  fractional shares                                    -              -              -              - 
Payment on ESOP loan                                   -            347              -            347 
Tax benefits related to                                                                               
  employee  stock plans                                -              -              -            514 
Comprehensive income                                                                                  
    Net income                                         -              -              -          2,610 
    Net increase in fair value of                                                                     
      securities classified as                                                                        
      available-for-sale, net of                                                                      
      income taxes and                                                                                
      reclassification adjustments                     -              -            525            525 
                                                                                          ----------- 
        Total comprehensive
         income                                                                                 3,135
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------- 
                                                                                                      
Balance at                                                                                            
  December 31, 1997                                  (73)          (511)         1,059         48,294 
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     (Continued)

                                          58
<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Additional                                 
                                               Common        Paid-In        Retained       Treasury    
                                               Stock         Capital        Earnings        Stock      
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           
Balance at 
  December 31, 1997                         $        44    $    19,365    $    28,410    $         -   
Cash dividend ($.32 per share)                        -              -         (1,376)             -   
Issuance of stock in connection
  with exercise of  stock options                     -           (914)             -          2,062   
Purchase of stock                                     -              -              -         (5,079)  
Payment on ESOP loan                                  -              -              -              -   
Tax benefits related to 
  employee stock plans                                -            516              -              -   
Comprehensive income
    Net income                                        -              -          3,871              -   
    Net decrease in fair value of
      securities classified as
      available-for-sale, 
      net of income taxes 
      and reclassification
      adjustments                                     -              -              -              -
        Total comprehensive
         income
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   

Balance at 
  December 31, 1998                         $        44    $    18,967    $    30,905    $    (3,017)  
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   
                                            -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   

<CAPTION>
                                                                           Accumulated                
                                                                              Other           Total   
                                               Unearned                      Compre-         Stock-   
                                                Stock           ESOP         hensive        holders'  
                                                Awards          Loan          Income         Equity   
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------- 
<S>                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>         
Balance at                                                                                            
  December 31, 1997                          $       (73)   $      (511)   $     1,059    $    48,294 
Cash dividend ($.32 per share)                         -              -              -         (1,376)
Issuance of stock in connection                                                                       
  with exercise of  stock options                      -              -              -          1,148 
Purchase of stock                                      -              -              -         (5,079)
Payment on ESOP loan                                   -            350              -            350 
Tax benefits related to                                                                               
  employee stock plans                                 -              -              -            516 
Comprehensive income                                                                                  
    Net income                                         -              -              -          3,871 
    Net decrease in fair value of                                                                     
      securities classified as                                                                          
      available-for-sale,                                                                               
      net of income taxes                                                                               
      and reclassification                                                                              
      adjustments                                      -              -           (773)          (773)
                                                                                          -----------
        Total comprehensive
         income                                                                                 3,098
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------

Balance at                                                                                            
  December 31, 1998                          $       (73)   $      (161)   $       286    $    46,951 
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------- 
                                             -----------    -----------    -----------    ----------- 
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                          59
<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                                   (IN THOUSANDS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998        1997        1996  
                                                         --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    Net income                                           $  3,871    $  2,610    $  1,589
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
      cash provided by operating activities
       Depreciation                                           993         864         683
       Amortization of intangible assets                      206         206         206
       Deferred income taxes                                  557         927         343
       Net real estate loans originated for sale           (4,294)          -           -
       Deferred loan origination fees                          (6)       (341)         74
       Provision for possible loan losses                   1,567       4,072       1,397
       Net gain on sales of securities                       (225)     (1,247)     (2,551)
       Gain on sale of credit card loans                     (672)          -           -
       Stock award earned                                       -           -          24
       Change in
           Other assets                                      (911)        127        (503)
           Accrued interest receivable                        207         120        (147)
           Accrued expenses and other liabilities            (316)       (102)        503
                                                         --------    --------    --------
               Net cash provided by operating
                 activities                                   977       7,236       1,618

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    Net loan principal originations                       (32,892)    (60,477)    (70,074)
    Proceeds from sale of credit card loans                11,477           -           -
    Purchase of securities available-for-sale             (94,416)    (99,662)   (171,309)
    Proceeds from sales of securities available-
      for-sale                                            119,434      69,897     242,622
    Proceeds from maturities of securities 
      available-for-sale                                   13,970      21,258      38,537
    Proceeds from repayment of securities 
      available-for-sale                                   36,707      37,673      36,822
    Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
      and Federal Reserve Bank stock                         (800)       (389)     (2,355)
    Purchase of office properties and equipment            (1,598)     (1,722)       (282)
                                                         --------    --------    --------
       Net cash provided by (used in)  
        investing activities                               51,882     (33,422)     73,961
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     (Continued)

                                          60
<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                                   (IN THOUSANDS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998        1997        1996  
                                                         --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    Net decrease in deposits                             $ (7,217)   $(30,338)   $(52,566)
    Net increase (decrease) in mortgage escrow 
      funds                                                   723        (810)     (1,771)
    Short-term borrowings, net                            (70,201)     23,266     (16,745)
    Proceeds from long-term borrowings                     45,000      50,000           -
    Repayments of long-term borrowings                          -           -      (2,400)
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options, 
      net of treasury shares issued                         1,148         901         488
    Payment received on loan to ESOP                          350         347         340
    Purchase of treasury stock                             (5,079)     (5,302)     (8,053)
    Cash dividends paid                                    (1,376)     (1,245)     (1,233)
                                                         --------    --------    --------
       Net cash provided by (used in) 
         financing activities                             (36,652)     36,819      81,910
                                                         --------    --------    --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                              16,207      10,633      (6,361)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year             23,470      12,837      19,198
                                                         --------    --------    --------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                 $ 39,677    $ 23,470    $ 12,837
                                                         --------    --------    --------
                                                         --------    --------    --------

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
    Cash paid for
       Interest                                           $24,959     $23,900     $29,364
       Income taxes                                         1,760       1,100         641

Securitization of portfolio loans                               -      17,782      61,030
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

             See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                          61
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF OPERATIONS:  CoVest Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") is a bank holding
company organized under the laws of the state of Delaware.  Through its bank and
nonbank subsidiary, the Company provides a full line of financial services to
corporate and individual customers in northern Illinois from its five locations.
These services include demand, time, and savings deposits; lending; mortgage
banking; and insurance products.  

BASIS OF PRESENTATION:  The accompanying consolidated financial statements for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 include the accounts of CoVest
Bancshares, Inc., CoVest Banc (the Bank), and the Bank's wholly-owned
subsidiary, CoVest Investments, Inc.  On July 31, 1997, the Bank converted from
a federal stock savings bank to a national bank.  Since the transaction is an
internal reorganization, the historical cost basis of accounting is continued
for the Bank.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances are
eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles and with general practices within the banking industry
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amount of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ
from these estimates.

SECURITIES:  Securities are classified as available-for-sale since the Company
may decide to sell those securities in response to changes in market interest
rates, liquidity needs, changes in yields or alternative investments, and for
other reasons.  These securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains
and losses charged or credited, net of income taxes, to a valuation allowance
included as a separate component of stockholders' equity.  Realized gains and
losses on disposition are based on the net proceeds and the adjusted carrying
amounts of the securities sold, using the specific identification method. 
Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of
discounts, is included in earnings.

LOANS AND LOAN INCOME:  Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding,
net of unearned income and the allowance for possible loan losses.

Interest on loans is accrued over the term of the loans based upon the principal
balance outstanding. Where serious doubt exists as to the collectibility of a
loan, the accrual of interest is discontinued.  






- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         62
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

The Company defers loan fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs.  The
net amount deferred is reported in the statements of financial condition as part
of loans and is recognized as interest income over the term of the loan or its
repricing period using the level-yield method.

The accrual of interest income is discontinued on a loan when principal or
interest is ninety days or more past due, unless the loan is well secured and in
the process of collection.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest
previously accrued but not collected in the current period is reversed against
current period interest income.  Interest accrued in prior years but not
collected is charged against the allowance for loan losses. 

MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR SALE:  The Company, through its mortgage centers in
McHenry and Aurora, originates fixed rate and variable rate residential mortgage
loans for sale into the secondary market.  Servicing rights are not retained on
the sold loans.  The loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate
cost or market value.  The servicing release premiums, application fees and
documentation preparation fees are classified as mortgage center fees in the
"consolidated statements of income."  When a loan is sold or securitized and
servicing retained, a separate asset is recognized for the mortgage servicing
rights.  This asset is amortized over the life of the underlying loans.  

ALLOWANCE FOR POSSIBLE LOAN LOSSES:  Because some loans may not be repaid in
full, an allowance for possible loan losses is recorded.  Increases to the
allowance are recorded by a provision for possible loan losses charged to
expense.  Estimating the risk of the loss and the amount of loss on any loan is
necessarily subjective.  Accordingly, the allowance is maintained by management
at a level considered adequate to cover possible losses that are currently
anticipated based on past loss experience, general economic conditions,
information about specific borrower situations including their financial
position and collateral values, and other factors and estimates which are
subject to change over time.  While management may periodically allocate
portions of the allowance for specific problem loan situations, the entire
allowance is available for any loan charge-offs that occur.  A loan is
charged-off against the allowance by management as a loss when deemed
uncollectible, although collection efforts continue and future recoveries may
occur.

Loans which are considered to be impaired are reduced to the present value of
expected future cash flows or to the fair value of the related collateral by
allocating a portion of the allowance to such loans.  If these allocations cause
the allowance for possible loan losses to require an increase, such increase is
reported as a provision for possible loan losses charged to expense.  Loans are
evaluated for impairment when payments are delinquent 90 days or more or when
management downgrades the loan classification to "doubtful."




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         63
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Smaller balance homogeneous loans are defined as residential first mortgage
loans secured by one-to-four-family residences, residential construction loans,
and deposit loans and are evaluated collectively for impairment.  Commercial
loans are evaluated individually for impairment.  Normal loan evaluation
procedures, as described in the second preceding paragraph, are used to identify
loans which must be evaluated for impairment.  In general, loans classified as
doubtful or loss are considered impaired while loans classified as substandard
are individually evaluated for impairment.  Depending on the relative size of
the credit relationship, late or insufficient payments of 30 to 90 days will
cause management to reevaluate the credit under its normal loan evaluation
procedures.  While the factors which identify a credit for consideration for
measurement of impairment, or nonaccrual, are similar, the measurement
considerations differ.  A loan is impaired when the economic value estimated to
be received is less than the value implied in the original credit agreement.  A
loan is placed in nonaccrual when payments are more than 90 days past due unless
the loan is adequately collateralized and in the process of collection. 

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:  Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, less
accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Provisions for depreciation and
amortization, included in operating expenses, are computed on the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The cost of maintenance
and repairs is charged to income as incurred while significant repairs are
capitalized.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:  Goodwill and core deposit intangibles of $3,040,000 are
being amortized over 10-15 years, using the straight-line method.  The
unamortized premium balances of $1,954,000 and $2,160,000 are included in other
assets in the December 31, 1998 and 1997 statements of financial condition,
respectively.

INCOME TAXES:  The provision for income taxes is based on an asset and liability
approach.  The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred
tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and
liabilities.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:  Effective January 1, 1998, the Company retroactively
adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130
which requires comprehensive income to be reported for all periods. 
Comprehensive income includes both net income and other comprehensive income
elements, including the change in unrealized gains and losses on securities
available-for-sale, net of tax.




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         64
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:  Beginning January 1, 2000, a new accounting
standard will require all derivatives to be recorded at fair value.  Unless
designated as hedges, changes in these fair values will be recorded in the
income statement.  Fair value changes involving hedges will generally be
recorded by offsetting gains and losses on the hedge and on the hedged item,
even if the fair value of the hedged item is not otherwise recorded.  This is
not expected to have a material effect but will depend on derivative holdings
when this standard is first adopted.

A new accounting standard for 1999 will allow mortgage loans originated in
mortgage banking which are converted into securities to be classified as
available-for-sale, trading, or held-to-maturity, instead of the current
requirement to classify as trading.  This is not expected to have a material
effect but the effect will vary depending on the level and designation of
securitizations as well as on market price movements.

EARNINGS PER SHARE:  Basic earnings per share is based on weighted average
common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share further assumes the
issuance of any potentially dilutive common shares.  The accounting standard for
computing earnings per share was revised for 1997, and all earnings per share
previously reported are restated to follow the new standard.  Earnings per share
are restated for all subsequent stock dividends and splits.

DIVIDEND RESTRICTION:  Banking regulations require the maintenance of certain
capital levels and may limit the amount of dividends which may be paid by the
Bank to the holding company or by the holding company to stockholders.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS:  For the purpose of this statement, cash and cash
equivalents is defined to include cash on hand, demand balances, and
interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions with original maturities
of three months or less.  The Company reports net cash flows for customer loan
transactions and deposit transactions.

RECLASSIFICATIONS:  Certain items in the financial statements as of and for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 have been reclassified, with no effect on
net income, to conform with the current year presentation.


NOTE 2 - STOCK SPLIT

On December 1, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a three-for-two
stock split effected in the form of a one-for-two stock dividend.  All share and
per share amounts included in the financial statements have been restated to
reflect the stock split.




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         65
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for earnings per common
share dilution computations for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and
1996 is presented below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                                1998           1997           1996  
                                                              --------       --------       --------
     <S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>     
     Earnings per share
        Net income                                            $  3,871       $  2,610       $  1,589
        Weighted average common shares 
          outstanding                                            4,192          4,285          4,738
                                                              --------       --------       --------

             Earnings per share                                   $.92           $.61           $.34
                                                              --------       --------       --------
                                                              --------       --------       --------

     Earnings per share assuming dilution
        Net income                                            $  3,871       $  2,610       $  1,589
        Weighted average common shares 
          outstanding                                            4,192          4,285          4,738
        Add:  dilutive effect of assumed exercises of
          incentive stock options and management
          retention plan                                           277            199            197
                                                              --------       --------       --------

     Weighted average common and dilutive
       potential common shares outstanding                       4,469          4,484          4,935
                                                              --------       --------       --------

             Diluted earnings per share                       $    .87       $    .58       $    .32
                                                              --------       --------       --------
                                                              --------       --------       --------
</TABLE>



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         66
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 4 - SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  December 31, 1998
                                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Gross          Gross  
                                                             Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized        Fair   
                                                                Cost          Gains         Losses          Value  
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       
Securities available-for-sale
     U.S. government agencies                               $   29,987     $       97     $      (43)    $   30,041
     Marketable equity securities                                  994              9           (150)           853
     States and political subdivisions                          13,743            129              -         13,872
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                                44,724            235           (193)        44,766

Mortgage-backed securities
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation                     21,695            499              -         22,194
     Government National Mortgage Association                    7,383              -            (58)         7,325
     Federal National Mortgage Association                       5,368              -            (15)         5,353
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                                34,446            499            (73)        34,872
Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                     7,910              -              -          7,910
Federal Reserve Bank stock                                         469              -              -            469
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

                                                            $   87,549     $      734     $     (266)    $   88,017
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

<CAPTION>
                                                                                  December 31, 1997
                                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Gross          Gross  
                                                             Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized        Fair   
                                                                Cost          Gains         Losses          Value  
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       
Securities available-for-sale
     U.S. Treasury                                          $   10,976     $       37     $        -     $   11,013
     U.S. government agencies                                   19,994             28            (31)        19,991
     Marketable equity securities                                  327             81              -            408
     States and political subdivisions                           4,428              4             (4)         4,428
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                                35,725            150            (35)        35,840

Mortgage-backed securities
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation                     56,756          1,244              -         58,000
     Government National Mortgage Association                    4,405            189              -          4,594
     Federal National Mortgage Association                      57,335            178              -         57,513
Collateralized mortgage obligations                                644              2              -            646
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                               119,140          1,613              -        120,753
Federal Home Loan Bank stock                                     7,110              -              -          7,110
Federal Reserve Bank stock                                         469              -              -            469
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------

                                                            $  162,444     $    1,763     $      (35)    $  164,172
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
                                                            ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
</TABLE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         67
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 4 - SECURITIES (Continued) 


Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale in 1998, 1997, and 1996 and
gross realized gains and losses are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1998          1997       1996  
                                          --------      -------    --------
     <S>                                  <C>           <C>        <C>     
     Proceeds from sales                  $119,434      $69,897    $242,622
     Gross realized gains                      882        1,422       3,285
     Gross realized losses                    (657)        (175)       (734)
</TABLE>

The carrying value of mortgage-backed and related securities are net of
unamortized premiums of $163,000 and $1,079,000 and unaccreted discounts of
$74,000 and $233,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

At December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, $59,297,000 and $53,366,000 of
securities were pledged to secure deposits, short-term borrowings, and Federal
Home Loan Bank advances.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available-for-sale at
December 31, 1998, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected
maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have
the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Amortized          Fair  
                                                     Cost           Value  
                                                  ---------       ---------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>      
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
     Due in one year or less                      $   2,297       $   2,310
     Due after one year through five years           32,674          32,883
     Due after five years through ten years           8,759           8,720
     Mortgage-backed securities                      34,446          34,872
     Federal Home Loan Bank stock                     7,910           7,910
     Federal Reserve Bank stock                         469             469
     Marketable equity securities                       994             853
                                                  ---------       ---------

                                                  $  87,549       $  88,017
                                                  ---------       ---------
                                                  ---------       ---------
</TABLE>



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         68
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 5 - LOANS RECEIVABLE

Loans receivable at December 31 are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998         1997  
                                                        ---------    ---------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>      
     Mortgage loans
        Secured by one-to-four-family residences        $ 154,182    $ 235,425
     Net deferred loan origination costs                      297          652
                                                        ---------    ---------
        Total mortgage loans                              154,479      236,077

     Commercial loans and leases
        Commercial real estate                             66,776       56,220
        Multi-family loans                                 55,661        4,604
        Construction                                       40,572        8,939
        Commercial loans                                    8,035        5,504
        Commercial and municipal leases                    35,166       11,274
                                                        ---------    ---------
                                                          206,210       86,541

     Net deferred loan origination fees                       (28)        (377)
                                                        ---------    ---------
        Total commercial loans and leases                 206,182       86,164

     Consumer and other loans
        Automobile                                         21,036       22,781
        Credit card                                             -       13,469
        Home equity and improvement                        22,654       21,987
        Other                                               2,290        1,008
                                                        ---------    ---------
                                                           45,980       59,245
                                                        ---------    ---------

                                                        $ 406,641    $ 381,486
                                                        ---------    ---------
                                                        ---------    ---------
</TABLE>

Loans serviced for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (the "FHLMC")
approximated $118,800,000, $170,113,000, and $178,548,000 at December 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively.

The Bank had lending transactions with directors and executive officers of the
Company and the Bank and their associates which totaled approximately $360,000
and $840,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Included in secured one-to-four-family residences are $4,294,000 of loans held
for sale at December 31, 1998.



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         69
<PAGE>

                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                      (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 5 - LOANS RECEIVABLE (Continued) 

The Company did not have any loans which were impaired either at or during the
year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.

Activity in the allowance for possible loan losses is summarized as follows for
the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1998           1997         1996  
                                        --------       --------     --------
     <S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>     
     Balance at beginning of year       $  3,977       $  1,424     $  1,379
     Provision                             1,567          4,072        1,397

     Recoveries                              161             96          145
     Loans charged-off                    (1,393)        (1,615)      (1,497)
                                        --------       --------     --------
        Net charge-offs                   (1,232)        (1,519)      (1,352)
                                        --------       --------     --------

     Balance at end of year             $  4,312       $  3,977     $  1,424
                                        --------       --------     --------
                                        --------       --------     --------
</TABLE>


NOTE 6 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment at December 31 are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1998         1997  
                                                       --------     --------
     <S>                                               <C>          <C>     
     Cost
        Land                                           $  1,656     $  1,656
        Buildings                                         9,992        9,071
        Furniture, fixtures, and equipment                4,811        4,256
                                                       --------     --------
                                                         16,459       14,983

     Less accumulated depreciation and amortization       5,087        4,216
                                                       --------     --------

                                                       $ 11,372     $ 10,767
                                                       --------     --------
                                                       --------     --------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    (Continued)
                                          
                                         70
<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 7 - DEPOSITS

Certificates of deposit accounts of $100,000 and over totaled $34,208,000 and 
$35,037,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. At December 31, 
1998, stated maturities of all certificates of deposit were:

<TABLE>
                  <S>                                   <C>
                  1999                                  $    136,522
                  2000                                        37,184
                  2001                                         4,349
                  2002                                         8,001
                  2003 and thereafter                          1,457
                                                        ------------

                                                        $    187,513
                                                        ------------
                                                        ------------
</TABLE>

Certificates of deposit included approximately $991,000 and $8,370,000 at 
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, which bear interest at increasing 
rates over the life of the deposit term. The Bank records interest expense on 
these deposits on a level-yield basis over the contractual deposit term.

NOTE 8 - BORROWINGS

Borrowings at December 31 are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1 9 9 8                             1 9 9 7
                                           -------------------------------      ------------------------------
                                            Weighted                             Weighted
                                             Average                              Average
                                              Rate             Amount              Rate                Amount
                                              ----             ------              ----                ------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>                  <C>               <C>
Short-term borrowings
- ---------------------
     Advances from the Federal Home
       Loan Bank due
         1998                                     -%       $           -           5.74%           $    60,000
     Securities sold under
       repurchase agreement                    5.14                3,774           5.28                 12,947
     Other borrowings                          5.06                2,981           5.27                  4,009
                                                            ------------                           -----------

                                                            $      6,755                           $    76,956
                                                            ------------                           -----------
                                                            ------------                           -----------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       71

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 8 - BORROWINGS (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1 9 9 8                             1 9 9 7
                                           -------------------------------      ------------------------------
                                            Weighted                             Weighted
                                             Average                              Average
                                              Rate             Amount              Rate                Amount
                                              ----             ------              ----                ------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>                  <C>               <C>
Long-term borrowings
- --------------------
     Advances from Federal Home
       Loan Bank due
         2000                                  6.19%        $     25,000           6.19%           $    25,000
         2002                                  5.35               50,000           5.35                 50,000
         2008                                  4.87               45,000              -                      -
                                                            ------------                           -----------

                                                            $    120,000                           $    75,000
                                                            ------------                           -----------
                                                            ------------                           -----------
</TABLE>

The Bank maintains a collateral pledge agreement dated February 1, 1993 covering
secured advances whereby the Bank has agreed to at all times keep on hand, free
of all other pledges, liens, and encumbrances, first mortgages on improved
residential property (not more than 90 days delinquent) aggregating no less than
167% of the outstanding secured advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. In
1998, various securities were also pledged as collateral.

Securities sold under repurchase agreements either carry a fixed rate for the
term of the agreement and generally mature within 90 to 180 days from the
transaction date or reprice weekly. Physical control is maintained over the
collateral pledged in the agreements.

Other borrowings consisted of a Treasury tax and loan option which allows the
Company to accept U.S. Treasury deposits of excess funds along with deposits of
customer taxes. This borrowing has an interest rate which adjusts weekly. This
borrowing is collateralized by a pledge of various securities, with an amortized
cost of $9,130,000 and $4,994,000 and a fair value of $9,252,000 and $4,988,000
at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       72

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES

The income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         1998          1997            1996
                                                                         ----          ----            ----
     <S>                                                             <C>            <C>            <C>
     Current
         Federal                                                     $     2,268    $     1,875    $       338
         State                                                               389            187           (141)
      Deferred                                                              (557)          (927)           343
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

                                                                     $     2,100    $     1,135    $       540
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S.
federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes as a result of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         1998           1997           1996
                                                                         ----           ----           ----
     <S>                                                             <C>            <C>            <C>
     Expected income tax expense at federal
       tax rate                                                      $     2,030    $     1,273    $       724
     State income tax, net of federal tax benefit                            198            (12)          (114)
     Tax exempt interest income on securities
       and loans                                                             (96)           (10)             -
     Increase in cash surrender value of director
       life insurance                                                         (1)           (82)           (56)
     Other                                                                   (31)           (34)           (14)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

                                                                     $     2,100    $     1,135    $       540
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

The net deferred tax assets and liabilities, included in other assets and other
liabilities in the accompanying statement of financial condition, consisted of
the following at December 31, 1998 and 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       1998          1997
                                                                       ----          ----
     <S>                                                           <C>            <C>
     Gross deferred tax assets
         Bad debt deduction                                        $       667    $       337
         Deferred compensation and employee benefits                       828            776
         Other                                                             111              -
                                                                   -----------    -----------
                                                                         1,606          1,113
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       73

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       1998          1997
                                                                       ----          ----
     <S>                                                           <C>            <C>
     Gross deferred tax liabilities
         Unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale          $      (182)   $      (669)
         Depreciation                                                     (449)          (453)
         FHLB stock dividends                                             (176)          (176)
         Deferred loan fees                                               (511)          (595)
         Mortgage servicing rights                                         (78)           (54)
                                                                   -----------    -----------
                                                                        (1,396)        (1,947)
                                                                   -----------    -----------

     Net deferred tax asset (liability)                            $       210    $      (834)
                                                                   -----------    -----------
                                                                   -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

The deferred tax asset for the unrealized loss on marketable equity securities
is offset by a valuation allowance of an equal amount.


NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, AND CONCENTRATIONS

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in
the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and
to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial
instruments include commitments to extend credit and previously approved unused
lines of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of
credit and interest-rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the
statement of financial condition.

The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and
previously approved unused lines of credit is represented by the contractual
amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making
commitments and conditional obligations as it does for loans recorded in the
statement of financial condition.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       74

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, AND CONCENTRATIONS
  (Continued)

At December 31, 1998 and 1997, these financial instruments are summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             Amount
                                                                  -------------------------
                                                                       1998            1997
                                                                       ----            ----
     <S>                                                           <C>            <C>
     Off-balance-sheet financial instruments whose contract
       amounts represent credit risk
         Commitments to extend credit
              Fixed rate                                           $     5,475    $     3,734
              Variable rate                                             13,323          7,732
         Letters of credit                                               3,619          8,625
         Unused lines of credit                                         72,365         78,340
         Credit enhancements                                             6,978          6,500
</TABLE>

The fixed rate commitments have rates ranging from 7.00% to 9.25% and 8.25% to
9.50% at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Since certain commitments to
make loans and fund lines of credit and loans in process expire without being
used, the above amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments.
No losses are anticipated as a result of these transactions.

The Company's principal loan customers are located in northern Illinois and most
loans are secured by specific collateral including residential and commercial
real estate.

During 1997, the Company entered into a credit enhancement agreement with a
local municipality to guarantee the repayment of an amount not exceeding $7.2
million of municipal revenue bonds which are secured by a first mortgage on a
real estate. In the event of default on the bonds, the Company's maximum
liability is the amount of the credit guaranty.


NOTE 11 - CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

The Company is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by
federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective
action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and
certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting
practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative
judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors,
and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet
various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a
direct material effect on the financial statements.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       75

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 11 - CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (Continued)

The prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications, including
well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly
undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not
used to represent overall financial condition. If undercapitalized, capital
distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and plans of
capital restoration are required.

At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Bank's regulators categorized the Bank as
well capitalized. Actual capital levels (in millions) and minimum required
levels were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                            To be Well
                                                                                         Capitalized Under
                                                                For Capital              Prompt Corrective
                                      Actual                 Adequacy Purpose            Action Provisions
                                      ------                 ----------------            -----------------
1998                             Amount      Ratio         Amount        Ratio         Amount          Ratio
- ----                             ------      -----         ------        -----         ------          -----
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>
   Total capital
     (to risk-weighted assets)  
     Company                    $  49.0       13.7%       $   28.6        8.0%        $  35.7          10.0%
     Bank                          47.2       13.3            28.4        8.0            35.5          10.0
   Tier 1 capital
     (to risk-weighted assets)
     Company                       44.7       12.5            14.3        4.0            21.4           6.0
     Bank                          42.9       12.1            14.2        4.0            21.3           6.0
   Tier 1 capital
     (to average assets)
     Company                       44.7        8.0            22.4        4.0            27.9           5.0
     Bank                          42.9        7.7            22.3        4.0            27.8           5.0


1997
- ----
Total capital
     (to risk-weighted assets)
     Company                    $  47.1       15.4%       $   24.5        8.0%        $  30.6          10.0%
     Bank                          46.4       15.2            24.4        8.0            30.5          10.0
   Tier 1 capital
     (to risk-weighted assets)
     Company                       43.3       14.2            12.2        4.0            18.4           6.0
     Bank                          42.6       14.0            12.2        4.0            18.3           6.0
   Tier 1 capital
     (to average assets)
     Company                       43.3        7.7            22.5        4.0            28.1           5.0
     Bank                          42.6        7.6            22.3        4.0            27.9           5.0
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       76

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 11 - CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (Continued)

On June 30, 1992, the Bank converted from a federal mutual savings and loan
association to a federal stock savings bank with the concurrent formation of a
holding company. At the time of conversion, the Bank established a liquidation
account for the benefit of eligible account holders as of March 31, 1991 who
continue to maintain their accounts at the Bank after the conversion. The
liquidation account will be reduced annually to the extent that eligible account
holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not
restore an eligible account holder's interest in the liquidation account. In the
event of a complete liquidation, each eligible account holder will be entitled
to receive a distribution from the liquidation account in an amount
proportionate to the current adjusted qualifying balances for accounts then held
before any distribution may be made with respect to the Bank's capital stock.


NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Companies are required to disclose fair value information about their financial
instruments. The fair value of financial instruments is defined as the amount at
which the instruments could be exchanged in a current transaction between
willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. The methods and
assumptions used to determine fair values for each class of financial
instruments are presented below.

The estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents; interest-bearing
deposits with financial institutions; Federal Home Loan Bank stock; accrued
interest receivable; NOW, money market, and savings deposits; short-term
borrowings; and accrued interest payable are considered to approximate their
carrying values. The estimated fair value for securities available-for-sale is
based on quoted market values for the individual securities or for equivalent
securities. The estimated fair value for loans is based on estimates of the rate
the Company would charge for similar loans at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
applied for the time period until estimated repayment. The estimated fair value
of certificates of deposit is based on estimates of the rate the Company would
pay on such deposits at December 31, 1998 and 1997, applied for the time period
until maturity. The estimated fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and
other borrowings is based on the estimate of the rate the Company would pay for
such borrowings at December 31, 1998 and 1997 for a time period until maturity.
Loan commitments are not included in the table below as their estimated fair
value is immaterial.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       77

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                      At December 31, 1998             At December 31, 1997
                                                      --------------------             --------------------
                                                          (In thousands)                  (In thousands)
                                                    Approximate     Estimated        Approximate      Estimated
                                                     Carrying         Fair            Carrying          Fair
                                                       Value          Value             Value           Value
                                                       -----          -----             -----           -----
<S>                                               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT ASSETS
     Cash on hand and in banks                    $     18,395    $     18,395    $      5,670    $      5,670
     Interest-bearing deposits in other
       financial institutions                           21,282          21,282          17,800          17,800
     Securities available-for-sale                      88,017          88,017         164,172         164,172
     Loans receivable, net                             402,329         403,362         377,509         377,862
     Accrued interest receivable                         3,280           3,280           3,487           3,487

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT LIABILITIES
     NOW, money market, and
       passbook savings                                177,022         177,022         151,985         151,985
     Certificates of deposits                          187,513         189,109         219,767         220,336
     Short-term borrowings                               6,755           6,755          76,956          76,956
     Long-term borrowings                              120,000         120,000          75,000          75,000
     Advances from borrowers for
       taxes and insurance                               3,637           3,637           2,914           2,914
     Accrued interest payable                              737             737             957             957
</TABLE>

Other assets and liabilities of the Company that are not defined as financial
instruments, such as property and equipment, are not included in the above
disclosures. Also not included are nonfinancial instruments typically not
recognized in financial statements such as loan servicing rights, customer
goodwill, and similar items.

While the above estimates are based on management's judgment of the most
appropriate factors, there is no assurance that were the Company to have
disposed of these items on December 31, 1998 and 1997, the fair values would
have been achieved, because the market value may differ depending on the
circumstances. The estimated fair values at December 31, 1998 and 1997 should
not necessarily be considered to apply at subsequent dates.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       78

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Bank has a defined contribution plan covering all of its eligible employees.
Employees are eligible to participate in the plan after attainment of age 21 and
are eligible to enter the plan the beginning of the month following employment.
The Company provides matching funds under the Company's 401(k) plan. The Company
matches an amount equal to the employee's contribution, up to a maximum of 2.5%
of annual compensation. The expense recorded in 1998, 1997, and 1996 was
$85,000, $65,000, and $61,000, respectively.

The Company's Board of Directors has adopted a stock option and incentive plan
that was ratified by the stockholders. Under the stock option plan, stock
options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock awards, up to an
aggregate of 724,500 shares at the market price of the Company's common stock on
the date of grant, were available to be granted to the directors, officers, and
employees of the Company or the Bank. The options have an exercise period of ten
years from the date of grant. During 1995, the stock option plan was amended to
increase to 1,287,000 the aggregate shares available. In 1996, the Board of
Directors adopted the 1996 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, whereby an
additional 246,000 stock options could be granted. In 1997, this plan was
amended to increase the aggregate shares available to 621,000.

During 1998, options for 99,000 shares were granted at $12.72 to $18.30 per
share and are fully vested after six years. During 1997, options for 409,500
shares were granted at $11.21 to $17.67 per share and are fully vested after six
years. During 1996, options for 241,500 shares were granted at $9.45 to $11.33
per share and are fully vested after six years.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 requires pro forma
disclosures for companies that do not adopt its fair value accounting method for
stock-based employee compensation. Accordingly, the following pro forma
information presents net income and earnings per share had the fair value method
been used to measure compensation cost for stock option plans. Compensation cost
actually recognized for stock options was $0 for 1998, 1997, and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        1998            1997           1996
                                                        ----            ----           ----
     <S>                                              <C>            <C>            <C>
     Net income as reported                           $ 3,871        $  2,610       $  1,589
     Pro forma net income                               3,660           2,243          1,363
                                                                                  
     Basic earnings per share as reported             $   .92        $    .61       $    .34
     Pro forma basic earnings per share                   .87             .52            .29
                                                                                  
     Diluted earnings per share as reported           $   .87        $    .58            .32
     Diluted earnings per share                           .82             .50            .28
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       79

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

The activity in the stock option plans for 1998, 1997, and 1996 is summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Weighted
                                                                        Number           Average
                                                                          of            Exercise
                                                                        Options           Price
                                                                        -------           -----
     <S>                                                            <C>                <C>
     Outstanding at January 1, 1996                                      1,007,955     $     6.68

     Granted                                                               211,500          10.71
     Exercised                                                            (109,845)         (4.45)
     Forfeited                                                             (36,000)         (8.55)
                                                                    --------------     ----------

     Outstanding at December 31, 1996                                    1,073,610           7.65

     Granted                                                               409,500          14.52
     Exercised                                                            (158,242)         (5.70)
     Forfeited                                                             (60,750)         (8.86)
                                                                    --------------     ----------

     Outstanding at December 31, 1997                                    1,264,118           9.91

     Granted                                                                99,000          16.25
     Exercised                                                            (158,017)         (6.42)
     Forfeited                                                            (192,931)         (9.82)
                                                                    --------------     ----------

     Outstanding at December 31, 1998                                    1,012,170     $    11.09
                                                                    --------------     ----------
                                                                    --------------     ----------

<CAPTION>

Options exercisable at year end are as follows:

                                                                                        Weighted
                                                                        Number           Average
                                                                          of            Exercise
                                                                       Options           Price
                                                                       -------           -----
     <S>                                                           <C>                 <C>
     December 31, 1996                                                     373,860     $     4.67
     December 31, 1997                                                     431,618           6.47
     December 31, 1998                                                     268,170           7.79
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       80

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

For options granted during the year, the weighted average fair values at grant
date are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Weighted
                                                                                     Average
                                                                        Number of    Exercise         Fair
                                                                         Options      Price           Value
                                                                         -------      -----           -----
     <S>                                                                <C>         <C>            <C>
     1996                                                                211,500    $   10.71      $     2.41
     1997                                                                409,500        14.52            4.89
     1998                                                                 99,000        16.25            2.11
</TABLE>

The fair value of options granted during 1998, 1997, and 1996 is estimated using
the following weighted average information:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1998          1997             1996
                                                                           ----          ----             ----
     <S>                                                                  <C>           <C>             <C>
     Risk free interest rate                                              4.5%           6.5%            6.5%
     Expected life                                                        6 years        6 years         6 years
     Expected volatility of stock price                                   5.893%        16.624%         14.72%
     Expected dividend                                                    2.5%           2.5%            2.5%
</TABLE>

At year end, options outstanding were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         Outstanding                         Exercisable
                                                         -----------                         -----------
                                                               Weighted Average                       Weighted
               Range of                                            Remaining                           Average
               Exercise                                           Contractual                         Exercise
                Prices                          Number               Life             Number            Price
                ------                          ------               ----             ------            -----
         <S>                                <C>                <C>                <C>               <C>
         $   4.44  -  $   6.66                     118,920           4 years           118,920      $    4.44
             6.67  -     10.00                     301,500           7 years            93,000           8.95
            10.01  -     15.00                     371,250           8 years            38,250          11.21
            15.00  -     18.75                     220,500           9 years            18,000          16.66
                                            --------------       -----------      ------------      ---------

         Outstanding at year end                 1,012,170         7.5 years           268,170      $    7.79
                                            --------------       -----------      ------------      ---------
                                            --------------       -----------      ------------      ---------
</TABLE>

The Bank has established a Bank Incentive Plan ("BIP") in order to provide
persons in key management positions with an ownership interest in the Company.
Under the BIP, 182,176 shares have been awarded to key personnel. The stock
granted under the BIP is restricted as to certain rights at the time of
issuance. These restrictions are removed over a period of five years. During
1998 and 1997, no shares were granted or vested. During 1996, 17,757 shares
vested. The market value of the shares, determined at the date of grant, are
charged to expense over the vesting period.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       81

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

In 1993, the Company began to provide certain postretirement health care
benefits for employees, as well as a Director's deferred compensation plan.
Employees may become eligible based on the number of years of service and if
they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. In accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers Accounting
for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," the Company has elected to
amortize the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) over 20 years.
At December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively, the APBO for all of the
plans was $867,000, $973,000, and $706,000 and the postretirement benefit cost
for each of the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 was $116,000,
$106,000, and $108,000, respectively. The annual rate of increase in the per
capita cost of covered health care is assumed to be 11.5% for three years and
5.5% thereafter. The other related disclosures are not considered significant to
the financial statements.

The Company and most of its outside directors have entered into various deferred
compensation agreements. These agreements provide for guaranteed payments for a
specified period (ranging from 60 to 180 months) after a specified age is
attained (ranging from age 60 to age 72). The liability for each covered
director is being accrued over the vesting period. Expense of $150,000, $11,000
and $62,000 has been included in compensation and benefits in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997,
and 1996, respectively. During 1997, the Company received insurance proceeds of
$187,000 due to the death of a director. The Company is the beneficiary of life
insurance policies on the directors with an aggregate face value of
approximately $2,618,000 and $2,700,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. In addition, the policies had aggregate cash surrender values of
approximately $551,000 and $476,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The Company's Board of Directors adopted an ESOP for the benefit of all
employees of the Bank. On June 30, 1992, in conjunction with the Bank's mutual
to stock conversion, the ESOP acquired 579,600 shares of Company stock, at $4.45
per share for a total of $2,576,000. To fund the acquisition of Company stock,
the ESOP borrowed $2,576,000 from the Company. The balance of this loan was
$161,000 and $511,000 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, and is
reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity. The Company makes annual
contributions to the ESOP equal to the ESOP's debt service. All dividends
received by the ESOP are used to pay debt service. The ESOP shares are pledged
as collateral for its debt. As the debt is repaid, shares are released from
collateral and allocated to active employees, based on the proportion of debt
service paid in the year. Debt of the ESOP is recorded as debt and the shares
pledged as collateral are reported as unearned ESOP shares in the statement of
financial condition. The Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the
amount of cash contributed to the ESOP. ESOP contributions were $236,000,
$267,000, and $290,000 for 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The ESOP shares
as of December 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      1998              1997
                                                                                      ----              ----
     <S>                                                                          <C>             <C>
     Allocated shares                                                                  276,489         281,712
     Committed to be released                                                           51,782          51,782
     Suspense shares                                                                    58,811         110,593
                                                                                  ------------    ------------

         Total ESOP shares                                                             387,082         444,087
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
                                                                                  ------------    ------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       82

<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 14 - PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Presented below are the condensed balance sheets, condensed statements of
income, and condensed statements of cash flows for CoVest Bancshares, Inc.

                           CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                          December 31, 1998 and 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           1998          1997
                                                           ----          ----
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Cash in banks                                          $       208    $     1,930
Securities                                                     853            408
Investment in Bank                                          45,242         45,842
Other assets                                                   738            552
                                                       -----------    -----------

                                                       $    47,041    $    48,732
                                                       -----------    -----------
                                                       -----------    -----------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Other liabilities                                      $        90    $       438
Stockholders' equity
     Common stock                                               44             44
     Additional paid in capital                             18,967         19,365
     Retained earnings                                      30,905         28,410
     Treasury stock, at cost                                (3,017)             -
     Unearned stock awards                                     (73)           (73)
     ESOP loan                                                (161)          (511)
     Other comprehensive income                                286          1,059
                                                       -----------    -----------

                                                            46,951         48,294
                                                       -----------    -----------

                                                       $    47,041    $    48,732
                                                       -----------    -----------
                                                       -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       83
<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 14 - PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                         CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1998            1997           1996
                                                             ----            ----           ----
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>            <C>
Operating income
     Interest on investments                              $         7    $        33    $        44
     Dividends received from subsidiary                         4,000          2,000         10,000
     Gain on sale of investments                                   55          1,148              5
     Other                                                         31             53             95
                                                          -----------    -----------    -----------
         Total operating income                                 4,093          3,234         10,144

Operating expenses                                                223            829            245
                                                          -----------    -----------    -----------


INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS
  OF SUBSIDIARY                                                 3,870          2,405          9,899

Equity (excess) in undistributed earnings of
  subsidiary                                                        1            205         (8,310)
                                                          -----------    -----------    -----------


NET INCOME                                                $     3,871    $     2,610    $     1,589
                                                          -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                          -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       84
<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996
                    (TABLE AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 14 - PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

                      CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1998          1997            1996
                                                                         ----          ----            ----
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
     Net income                                                      $     3,871    $     2,610    $     1,589
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to
       net cash provided by operating activities
         Equity (excess) in undistributed
           earnings of subsidiary                                             (1)          (205)         8,310
         Net gain on sales of securities                                     (55)        (1,148)            (5)
         Change in
              Other assets                                                   379            (20)            (1)
              Other liabilities                                             (347)         1,098            (40)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                  Net cash provided by
                    operations                                             3,847          2,335          9,853

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
     Purchase of securities                                                 (779)          (100)        (2,853)
     Proceeds from sales of securities                                       167          4,103            134
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
         Net cash provided by (used in)
           investing activities                                             (612)         4,003         (2,719)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
     Proceeds from exercise of stock options,
       net of treasury shares issued                                       1,148            901            488
     Payment received on loan to ESOP                                        350            347            340
     Purchase of treasury stock                                           (5,079)        (5,302)        (8,053)
     Cash dividend paid, net of dividend
       reinvestments                                                      (1,376)        (1,245)        (1,233)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
         Net cash used in financing activities                            (4,957)        (5,299)        (8,458)
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      (1,722)         1,039         (1,324)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                             1,930            891          2,215
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                             $       208    $     1,930    $       891
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       85

<PAGE>

                             COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 15 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Changes in other comprehensive income components and related taxes are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Years Ended December 31,
                                                                        ---------------------------------------
                                                                           1998           1997          1996
                                                                           ----           ----          ----
     <S>                                                                <C>           <C>           <C>
     Change in unrealized gains (losses)
       on securities available-for-sale                                 $   (1,035)   $    2,103    $      612
     Less reclassification adjustment for gains
       recognized in income                                                    225         1,247         2,551
                                                                        ----------    ----------    ----------
         Net unrealized gains (losses)                                      (1,260)          856        (1,939)
     Tax expense (benefit)                                                    (487)          331          (734)
                                                                        ----------    ----------    ----------

     Other comprehensive income                                         $     (773)   $      525    $   (1,205)
                                                                        ----------    ----------    ----------
                                                                        ----------    ----------    ----------
</TABLE>

NOTE 16 - COMMON STOCK AND TREASURY STOCK

On May 15, 1996 and December 1, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared
a three-for-two split of its common stock, to be effected by means of a 100%
stock distribution. All share and per share amounts have been restated to
reflect the stock split.

An analysis of changes in the number of shares of common stock and treasury
stock outstanding follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1998             1997             1996
                                                               ----             ----             ----
         <S>                                              <C>              <C>               <C>
         Common Stock
         ------------

         Balance at January 1                                 4,365,761        3,406,616         4,214,427
         Distribution of three-for-two stock split                    -          959,145           895,497
         Shares issued for stock options                         38,042                -                 -
                                                          -------------    -------------     -------------

              Balance at December 31                          4,403,803        4,365,761         5,109,924
                                                          -------------    -------------     -------------
                                                          -------------    -------------     -------------

         Treasury Stock
         --------------

         Balance at January 1                                         -          514,950         1,094,228
         Distribution of three-for-two stock split                    -         (744,059)         (807,755)
         Stock options exercised                               (119,978)        (158,242)         (109,845)
         Treasury stock purchases                               313,166          387,351           338,322
                                                          -------------    -------------     -------------

              Balance at December 31                            193,188                -           514,950
                                                          -------------    -------------     -------------
                                                          -------------    -------------     -------------
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       86
<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 17 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

During 1998 the Company opened two mortgage centers to originate and sell
mortgage loans with servicing released into the secondary market. The mortgage
center operations and the banking operations are considered to be reportable
segments during 1998. Loans, investments, and deposits provide the revenues in
the banking operation, and servicing release fees and loan sales provide the
revenues in mortgage banking. All operations are domestic.

The accounting policies used are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies except that income taxes are not allocated to
the mortgage banking operations. Information reported internally for performance
assessment as of December 31, 1998 follows.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Mortgage       Consolidated
                                                                  Banking          Banking           Total
                                                                  -------          -------           -----
     <S>                                                       <C>                <C>             <C>
     Net interest income                                       $     15,826       $      378      $     16,204
     Other revenue                                                    3,867            1,712             5,579
     Other expense                                                   11,708            1,544            13,252
     Noncash items:
         Depreciation                                                   977               16               993
         Provision for loan loss                                      1,567                -             1,567
     Segment profit, before income taxes                              5,441              530             5,971
     Segment assets                                                 543,793            4,904           548,697
</TABLE>

NOTE 18 - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Three Months Ended
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------
         1998                                          March 31        June 30     September 30    December 31
         ----                                          --------        -------     ------------    -----------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest income                                      $    10,447     $    10,151    $    10,524    $     9,821
Interest expense                                           6,403           6,179          6,349          5,808
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                        4,044           3,972          4,175          4,013

Provision for possible loan losses                           399             769            399              -
Other income                                               1,186           1,578          1,322          1,493
Other expense                                              3,292           3,304          3,739          3,910
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                 1,539           1,477          1,359          1,596

Income taxes                                                 530             505            460            605
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------

NET INCOME                                           $     1,009     $       972    $       899    $       991
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
     Basic                                           $       .24     $      .23     $       .22    $       .24
     Diluted                                                 .22            .21             .20            .23
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  (Continued)

                                       87
<PAGE>

                            COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997, AND 1996

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 18 - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Three Months Ended
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------
         1997                                          March 31        June 30     September 30      December 31
         ----                                          --------        -------     ------------      -----------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
Interest income                                      $     9,678     $     9,922    $     9,605    $    10,159
Interest expense                                           5,856           6,067          5,733          6,258
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------


NET INTEREST INCOME                                        3,822           3,855          3,872          3,901

Provision for possible loan losses                           351             402            430          2,889
Other income                                               1,071             832            909            860
Other expense                                              2,513           2,796          2,748          3,248
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------


INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                 2,029           1,489          1,603         (1,376)

Income taxes                                                 712             502            562           (641)
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------


NET INCOME                                           $     1,317     $       987    $     1,041    $      (735)
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                     -----------     -----------    -----------    -----------

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
     Basic                                           $       .30     $      .23     $       .24    $      (.17)
     Diluted                                                 .29            .22             .23           (.17)
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       88
<PAGE>






Item 9.     CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
            FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

None.


                                       PART III


Item 10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT


Information concerning directors of the Company is incorporated herein by 
reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders. Information concerning the executive officers of the 
Company is discussed in Item 1 of this Report, "Business--Executive Officers 
of the Company."

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that the 
Company's executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% 
of the Company Common Stock file reports of ownership and changes in 
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with the exchange 
on which the Company's shares of Company Common Stock are traded.  Such 
persons are also required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 
16(a) forms they file.  Based solely on the Company's review of the copies of 
such forms furnished to the Company and, if appropriate, representations made 
to the Company by any such reporting person the Company is not aware that any 
of its directors and executive officers or 10% stockholders failed to comply 
with the filing requirements of Section 16(a) during the period commencing 
January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998.

Item 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Information concerning executive compensation is incorporated herein by 
reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders, except for information contained under the heading 
"Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation" and "Performance 
Graph." 

Item 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
            MANAGEMENT

Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and 
management is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's definitive 
Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  

Item 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS


Information concerning certain relationships and transactions is incorporated 
herein by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for the 
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                          89

<PAGE>



                                       PART IV


Item 14.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
          FORM 8-K



A report on Form 8-K was filed on November 12, 1998 to report under Item 5, 
Other Events, that the Company issued a press release announcing that its 
subsidiary, CoVest Banc, had entered into an agreement to sell its credit 
card portfolio.

A report on Form 8-K was filed on November 24, 1998 to report under Item 5, 
Other Events, that the Company announced a regular quarterly dividend.

A report on Form 8-K was filed on December 29, 1998 to report under Item 5, 
Other Events, that the Company issued a press release announcing the 
completion of the Stock Repurchase Program dated August 25, 1998.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                          90

<PAGE>


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed 
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COVEST BANCSHARES, INC. 



   By: /s/ James L. Roberts                 By: /s/ Paul A. Larsen
   ------------------------------           -----------------------------------
   James L. Roberts,                        Paul A. Larsen,
   President and                            Senior Vice President,
   Chief Executive Officer                  Treasurer and Chief Financial 
                                             Officer 
   Date: March 5, 1999                      Date: March 5, 1999

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this 
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the 
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

   By: /s/ Frank A. Svoboda                  By: /s/ James L. Roberts
   ------------------------------       --------------------------------------
   Frank A. Svoboda, Jr.,                    James L. Roberts, President,
   Chairman of the Board                     Chief Executive Officer and 
                                              Director
   Date: March 5, 1999                       Date: March 5, 1999


   By: /s/ George T. Drost                   By: /s/ John A. Flink
   ------------------------------       --------------------------------------
   George T. Drost, Director                 John A. Flink, Director
   Date: March 5, 1999                       Date: March 5, 1999


   By: /s/ David M. Miller                   By: /s/ Gerald T. Niedert
   ------------------------------       --------------------------------------
   David M. Miller, Director                 Gerald T. Niedert, Director
   Date: March 5, 1999                       Date: March 5, 1999


   By: /s/ David B. Speer                    By: /s/ Thomas TenHoeve
   --------------------------------     --------------------------------------
   David B. Speer, Director                  Thomas TenHoeve, Director
   Date: March 5, 1999                       Date: March 5, 1999


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                          91

<PAGE>

                           COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.

                                Exhibit Index
                                      To
                          Annual Report of Form 10-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT  DESCRIPTION                  INCORPORATED HEREIN BY          FILED    SEQUENTIAL
  NO.                                       REFERENCE                HEREWITH   PAGE NO.
<S>      <C>                          <C>                            <C>       <C>
 3.1     Certificate of               Exhibit 3.1 to the
         Incorporation of CoVest      Registration Statement on
         Bancshares, Inc.             Form S-1 filed with the
                                      Commission by CoVest
                                      Bancshares, Inc. on April 1,
                                      1992, as amended (SEC File
                                      No. 33-46909)

 3.2     Amendment to Certificate     Exhibit 3.2 to the 1997
         of Incorporation of CoVest   10-K filed with the Commission
         Bancshares, Inc.             by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on
                                      March 24, 1998
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

 3.3     Bylaws of CoVest             Exhibit 3.2 to the
         Bancshares, Inc.             Registration Statement of
                                      Form S-1 filed with the
                                      Commission by CoVest
                                      Bancshares, Inc. on April 1,
                                      1992, as amended (SEC File
                                      No. 33-46909)

 4.1     Specimen Stock Certificate   Exhibit 4.1 to the 1997
         of CoVest Bancshares,        10-K filed with the Commission
         Inc.                         by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on
                                      March 24, 1998
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

10.1     Stock Option and Incentive   Exhibit 10.1 to the
         Plan                         Registration Statement of
                                      Form S-1 filed with the
                                      Commission by CoVest
                                      Bancshares, Inc. on April 1,
                                      1992, as amended (SEC File
                                      No. 33-46909)

<PAGE>

10.2     Form of Change of            Exhibit 10.3 to the 1997
         Control Agreement for        10-K filed with the Commission
         Paul A. Larsen               by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on
         Allen J. Bishop              March 24, 1998
         Joseph H. Tillotson          (Commission File No. 000-20160)
         Lawrence J. Schmidt
         Vernon J. Wiggenhauser

10.3     Form of Change of            Exhibit 10.4 to the 1997
         Control Agreement for       10-K filed with the Commission
         R. Kennedy Alger             by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on
                                      March 24, 1998
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

10.4     Bank Incentive Plan and      Exhibit 10.4 to the 
         Trusts                       Registration Statement of
                                      Form S-1 filed with the
                                      Commission by CoVest
                                      Bancshares, Inc. on April 1,
                                      1992, as amended (SEC File
                                      No. 33-46909)

10.5     Employee Stock               Exhibit 10.5 to the
         Ownership Plan               Registration Statement of
                                      Form S-1 filed with the
                                      Commission by CoVest
                                      Bancshares, Inc. on April 1,
                                      1992, as amended (SEC File
                                      No. 33-46909)

10.6     Profit Sharing/401(k) Plan   Exhibit 10.1 and 10.2 to the
         and Trust Agreement          March 31, 1995 10-Q, filed
                                      with the Commisssion by
                                      CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on
                                      May 11, 1995 (Commission
                                      File No. 0-20160)

10.7     Amendment 1995-1 to          Exhibit 10.1 to the June 30,
         CoVest Bancshares, Inc.      1995 10-Q, filed with the
         1992 Stock Option and        Commission by CoVest
         Incentive Plan               Bancshares, Inc. on August 8,
                                      1995 (Commission File


                                      2
<PAGE>
                                      No. 0-20160)

10.8     Amendment 1997-1 to          Exhibit 10.9 to the 1997 
         CoVest Bancshares, Inc.      10-K filed with the Commission
         1992 Stock Option and        by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on
         Incentive Plan               March 24, 1998
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

10.9     1996 Stock Option and        Exhibit 10.10 to the 1997           
         Incentive Plan               10-K filed with the Commission
                                      by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on     
                                      March 24, 1998                    
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

10.10    Amendment 1997-1 to          Exhibit 10.11 to the 1997           
         1996 Stock Option and        10-K filed with the Commission    
         Incentive Plan               by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on     
                                      March 24, 1998  
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

10.11    Employment Agreement                                                  X
         between CoVest
         Bancshares, Inc.
         and James L. Roberts,
         dated January 20, 1999

10.12    Non-Qualified Stock                                                   X
         Option Agreement between
         CoVest Bancshares, Inc.
         and James L. Roberts,
         dated January 20, 1999

10.13    Agreement Regarding                                                   X
         Post Employment
         Restrictive Covenants
         between CoVest Bancshares,
         Inc., CoVest Banc,
         National Association,
         and James L. Roberts,
         dated January 20, 1999.

21.1     Subsidiaries of the          Exhibit 21.1 to the 1997   
         Registrant                   10-K filed with the Commission 
                                      by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. on 
                                      March 24, 1998 
                                      (Commission File No. 000-20160)

23.1     Consent of Crowe Chizek                                               X

99.1     Proxy Statement and proxy    Schedule 14A filed with the
         (except such portions        Commission on March 22,
         incorporated by reference    1999.
         into this Form 10-K, such
         materials shall not be
         deemed to be "filed" with
         the Commission)

</TABLE>
                                      3

<PAGE>



                               COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.

                                 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This AGREEMENT, is made effective as of January 20, 1999 ("Effective
Date"), by and between CoVest Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company")  and James L. Roberts ("Executive").

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive as the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and its subsidiary, CoVest Banc, National
Association (the "Bank"); and

     WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to commit himself to serving the Company
and the Bank  on the terms and conditions herein provided;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained,
and upon the other terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby
agree as follows:

     1.   POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

     (a)  Executive shall be employed as President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company and of the Bank effective as of the date hereof for the Period of
Employment as defined hereafter.  The Executive shall report to the Board of
Directors of the Company.  The Executive's duties and responsibilities shall
consist of such duties and responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned
to the Executive by such Boards of Directors, which duties and responsibilities
shall be duties customary for a President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company or Bank.

     (b)  No later than the first regularly scheduled meeting of their
respective Board of Directors after the Effective Date, the Company and Bank
shall cause Executive to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Company and
the Bank.  Thereafter, the Company shall cause Executive to be nominated as a
director of the Company and shall elect him as a director of the Bank annually
while he is employed under this Agreement.  Executive shall be entitled to
compensation in connection with his service as a director of the Company and
Bank on the same basis as compensation paid to non-employee directors,
including, but not limited to, participation as an eligible director under the
CoVest Bancshares, Inc. Director Retirement Plan.

     2.   PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.  The period of the Executive's employment under
this Agreement (the "Period of Employment") shall commence upon the Effective
Date hereof and shall continue for a period of twenty-four (24) full calendar
months thereafter, 


<PAGE>

subject to extension as provided herein or to earlier termination as provided in
Paragraph 4 below.  The Period of Employment shall be automatically extended for
twelve (12) additional months on each anniversary date of the Effective Date
unless, no later than such anniversary date, either the Board of the Company or
a duly authorized committee thereof (the "Board") on behalf of the Company, or
the Executive gives written notice to the other, that the Period of Employment
shall not be so extended; provided, however, that in no event shall the Period
of Employment extend beyond the date Executive attains age 65.   Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if at any time during the Period of
Employment there is a Change of Control (as defined in Paragraph 4), the Period
of Employment shall automatically extend to a date which is the first to occur
of (a) the date which is thirty-six (36) months from the date of the Change in
Control, and (b) the date Executive attains age 65.


     3.   COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.

     (a)  SALARY.  During the Period of Employment, the Bank shall pay the
Executive the compensation specified in this Agreement for the services
performed hereunder.  The Bank shall pay the Executive as compensation a base
salary ("Base Salary") of $200,000 per year.  The Base Salary shall be subject
to review by the Board and may be increased (but not decreased), whereupon such
increased amount shall become the Base Salary hereunder.

     (b)  BONUSES.  The Executive shall be eligible for consideration in 1999
and subsequent years for annual incentive bonuses of up to 50% of Base Salary as
the Board may determine based upon performance criteria to be established by the
Board in consultation with Executive.

     (c)  OPTIONS.  The Company shall grant to Executive an option to purchase
100,000 shares of Company common stock.  Such option shall be granted under the
Company's 1992 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), shall
provide for an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value on the
Effective Date, shall vest at a rate of 25,000 shares on the Effective Date and
25,000 shares on each of the first three anniversary dates of the Effective
Date, shall be designated an incentive stock option to the maximum extent
possible taking into account the exercise price and vesting schedule, and shall
have such other terms and conditions applicable to incentive and non-qualified
options granted under such plan.  The incentive option and non-qualified option
shall be evidenced by the Option Agreements attached hereto as Appendix A-1 and
Appendix A-2, respectively.

     (d)  VACATION; EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. During the Period of Employment, the
Executive shall be entitled to a paid vacation, periods of absence occasioned by
illness and reasonable leaves of absence, and to expense reimbursement in
accordance with Company policies.


<PAGE>

     (e)  BENEFIT PLANS.  Except as set forth below, the Executive shall be
eligible to participate in or receive benefits under any benefit plans and
arrangements of the Company and Bank in which executive officers of the Company
and the Bank are generally entitled to participate including, but not limited
to, the profit sharing/401(k) plan, health-and-accident plans, medical coverage,
disability or any other benefit plans or arrangements, subject to and on a basis
consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans
and arrangements applicable to executive officers of the Company and the Bank
generally. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of (i) the termination of
Executive's employment with the Company and Bank  (other than by the Company for
Cause (as defined in Section 4(d) below)) after the fifth anniversary of the
Effective Date, or (ii) the termination of the Executive's employment with the
Company and Bank under circumstances constituting an Event of Termination (as
defined in Paragraph 4(b) below), Executive shall be entitled to maintain COBRA
continuation coverage from the Date of Termination (as defined in Paragraph 4(i)
below) until the earlier of the date Executive first becomes eligible for
Medicare, or the date the Executive obtains coverage  under another employer's
plan; provided, that if an Event of Termination has occurred, the Company shall
waive the premium for such COBRA coverage. Nothing paid to the Executive under
any such plan or arrangement shall be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation
to which the Executive is entitled under this Agreement. 

     (f)  RELOCATION.  In order to perform his duties and responsibilities
hereunder, the Executive shall establish a residence reasonably proximate to Des
Plaines, Illinois.  The Company shall reimburse Executive in an amount not to
exceed $10,000 for reasonable costs incurred by Executive on account of personal
travel and the shipment of the Executive's household goods and personal effects
in connection with establishing a residence in the Des Plaines, Illinois area. 
For an initial period of relocation (not to exceed four months), the Company
will reimburse Executive for the cost of temporary accommodations in the Des
Plaines, Illinois area, in an amount not to exceed $2,000 per month.

     (g)  LEGAL FEE REIMBURSEMENT.  The Company shall reimburse Executive for
all reasonable legal fees incurred by Executive in the negotiation of this
Employment Agreement.

     4.   TERMINATION; NOTICE.

     (a)  TERMINATION.  The Company may terminate the Executive's employment
with the Company and the Bank (and the Period of Employment) at any time, with
or without Cause. The Executive may terminate his employment with the Company
and Bank at any time for any reason.  

     (b)  EVENT OF TERMINATION.  As used in this Agreement, an "Event of
Termination" shall mean: 

          (i)  the termination by the Company and the Bank of the Executive's
full-time employment hereunder for any reason other than for Cause, death or
Disability, or 


<PAGE>

          (ii)  the voluntary termination  by the Executive of employment with
the Company and the Bank within sixty (60) days of a Constructive Discharge; or

          (iii) the voluntary termination by the Executive of employment with
the Company and the Bank within one (1) year after the date of a Change in
Control.

     (c)  SEVERANCE BENEFITS.  Following the occurrence of an Event of
Termination and only so long as the Executive complies with his obligations
under the Non-Competition Agreement described in Paragraph 6 below, the Bank
shall continue to pay to the Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent
death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as
severance pay, the Base Salary described in Paragraph 3(a) above and to continue
the medical insurance benefits otherwise provided hereunder for the remainder of
the Period of Employment, on the same basis as if Executive's employment
continued hereunder.

     (d)  CAUSE.  The term "for Cause" shall mean termination by the Company
because  (i) a material violation by the executive of any applicable material
law or regulation respecting the business of the Company and its affiliates;
(ii) the Executive's being found guilty of a felony, an act of dishonesty in
connection with the performance of his duties as an officer of the Company or an
affiliate of the Company; or which disqualifies the Executive from serving as an
officer of the Company or an affiliate of the Company; or (iii) the willful or
negligent failure of the Executive to perform his duties hereunder in any
material respect.  The Executive shall be entitled to at least thirty days'
prior written notice of the Company's intention to terminate his employment for
Cause, specifying the grounds for such termination, a reasonable opportunity to
cure any conduct or act, if curable, alleged as grounds for such termination,
and a reasonable opportunity to present to the Board of Directors of the Company
his position regarding any dispute relating to the existence of Cause for such
termination.  In determining willfulness, no act or failure to act on the
Executive's part shall be considered "willful" unless done or omitted to be done
by him not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his action or
omission was in the best interests of the Company or Bank. 

     (e)  DISABILITY.  The term "Disability" shall mean Executive's inability,
as a result of physical or mental incapacity, substantially to perform his
duties hereunder for a period of six (6) months.  In the event that it is
reasonably determined that Executive has suffered a Disability, the Company
shall be entitled to terminate his employment.  Executive shall be entitled to
compensation and benefits provided for under this Agreement for any period
during the term of this Agreement prior to the establishment of a Disability
during which Executive is unable to work due to a physical or mental disability,
provided that if Executive receives disability income benefits while employed
hereunder, the Company's obligation to pay him salary shall be reduced
accordingly.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
following a period in which executive is unable substantially to perform his
duties hereunder, until the date specified in a notice of termination relating
to a Disability, the Executive shall be entitled to return to the performance of
his duties hereunder, in which event no Disability shall be deemed to have
occurred.  In addition to such disability income benefits, 


<PAGE>

if any, as are paid to executive under a disability benefit plan of the Company
following termination of his employment, the Company shall for a period of one
year following such termination of employment, pay to Executive such amount as,
when aggregated with such disability income benefits, will provide to him the
same after tax income as he would have received if he had remained employed at
the same rate of salary as was payable when his employment was terminated.

     (f)  CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE.  The term "Constructive Discharge" shall mean
the occurrence, other than in connection with a termination by the Company, of
any one of the following events without the Executive's consent:

          (i)   The Executive is removed from the position of President and
     Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Bank, other than as a result
     of the Executive's election or appointment to positions of equal or
     superior scope and responsibility; or

          (ii)  The Executive shall fail to be vested by the Company Employer
     with the powers, authority and support services of such position and such
     failure has not been remedied by the Company within thirty (30) days after
     receipt of written notice of such failure from Executive, or 

          (iii) The Company shall fail to pay the compensation and benefits
     required by Paragraph 3 hereof and such failure has not been remedied by
     the Company within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such
     failure from Executive; or

          (iv)  The Company changes the primary employment location of the
     Executive to a place that is more than thirty-five (35) miles from
     Company's principal office as of the Effective Date, or

          (v)   The Executive is not elected as a director of the Company or the
     Bank at an annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or the Bank,
     respectively.

     (g)  CHANGE IN CONTROL.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Change
in Control" shall mean the following:

          (i)  The consummation of the acquisition by any person (as such term
     is defined in Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
     1934, as amended (the "1934 Act")) of beneficial ownership (within the
     meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of twenty-five
     percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding
     voting securities; or


<PAGE>

          (ii) The individuals who, as of the date hereof, are members of the
     Board of Directors of the Company cease for any reason to constitute a
     majority of such Board members, unless the election, or nomination for
     election by the stockholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of
     a majority of the Board, and such new director shall, for purposes of this
     Agreement, be considered as a member of the Board; or


          (iii)     Approval by the stockholders of:  (A) a merger or
     consolidation if the stockholders of the Company immediately before
     such merger or consolidation do not, as a result of such merger or
     consolidation, own, directly or indirectly, more than sixty-seven
     percent (67%) of the combined voting power of the then outstanding
     voting securities of the entity resulting from such merger or
     consolidation in substantially the same proportion as their ownership
     of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company
     outstanding immediately before such merger or consolidation; or (B) a
     complete liquidation or dissolution or an agreement for the sale or
     other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
     entity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur
solely because twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of
the then outstanding securities is acquired by:  (1) a trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under one or more employee benefit plans maintained
for employees of the entity; or (2) any corporation which, immediately prior to
such acquisition, is owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders in the
same proportion as their ownership of stock immediately prior to such
acquisition.

     (h)  GROSS-UP PAYMENT. In the event it shall be determined that any payment
or distribution of any type to or for the benefit of the Executive by the
Company, any of its affiliates, or any person who acquires ownership or
effective control of the Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the
Company's assets (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and the
regulations thereunder) or any affiliate of such person, whether paid or payable
or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
otherwise (the "Total Payments"), is subject to the excise tax imposed by
Section 4999 of the Code or any similar successor provision or any interest or
penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any
such interest and penalties, are collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"),
then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a 
"Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all
taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes),
including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive
retains an amount of the Gross-up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon
the Total Payments (not including any Gross-Up Payment). All determinations as
to whether any of the Total Payments are "parachute payments" (within the
meaning of Section 280G of the Code), whether a Gross-Up Payment is required,
the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and any amounts relevant to the foregoing
sentence shall be made by an independent accounting firm selected by the
Company, which may be the accounting firm then regularly retained by the Company
(the "Accounting 


<PAGE>

Firm").  The Accounting Firm shall provide its determination (the
"Determination"), together with detailed supporting calculations, regarding the
amount of any Gross-Up Payment and any other relevant matter, both to the
Company and the Executive, within five (5) days of a Date of Termination, if
applicable, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company or the Executive
(if the Executive reasonably believes that any of the Total Payments may be
subject to the Excise Tax).  Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be
binding upon the Company and the Executive.  As a result of uncertainty in the
application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that the Company should have
made Gross-Up Payments ("Underpayment"), or that Gross-Up Payments will have
been made by the Company which should not have been made ("Overpayments").  In
either such event, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the
Underpayment or Overpayment that has occurred.  In the case of the Underpayment,
the amount of such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for
the benefit of the Executive.  In the case of an Overpayment, the Executive
shall, at the direction and expense of the Company, take such steps as are
reasonably necessary (including the filing of returns and claims for refund),
follow reasonable instructions from, and procedures established by, the Company,
and otherwise reasonably cooperate with the Company to correct such Overpayment
and to repay such amounts to the Company.

     (i)  NOTICE OF TERMINATION.  Any termination by the Company or by Executive
shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto and the
termination shall become effective as of the "Date of Termination" with respect
thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" shall mean a
written notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in detail the facts and circumstances
claimed to provide a basis for the termination.  The "Date of Termination" shall
be

          (i)       thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given if
     the Notice of Termination is given by the Company without Cause or due to
     Disability, or by the Executive in the absence of a Constructive Discharge;
     or 

          (ii)      the date the Notice of Termination is given if the
     termination is by the Company for Cause; or

          (iii)     thirty (30) days after the Notice of Termination is given if
     the Notice of Termination is given in connection with a Constructive
     Discharge.

     (j)  EFFECT ON DIRECTORSHIPS.  Any termination of the Executive's
employment with the Company and Bank for any reason shall, except to the extent
otherwise agreed to by the Board, constitute Executive's resignation as a
director of the Company and Bank, and from all fiduciary and other positions
with the Company, Bank or any affiliates or employee benefit plans thereof,
effective as of the Date of Termination.

     5.   INDEMNIFICATION.


<PAGE>

          (a)  The Company shall provide the Executive (including his heirs,
personal representatives, executors and administrators) for the term of this
Agreement with coverage under any directors' and officer's liability insurance
policy which the Company may maintain.

          (b)  In addition to such insurance coverage, the Company shall hold
harmless and indemnify the Executive (and his heirs, executors and
administrators) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all
expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by his in connection with or
arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by
reason of his having been an officer of the Company or an affiliate of the
Company (whether or not he continues to be an officer at the time of incurring
such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not
be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys' fees and the cost of
reasonable settlements.

          (c)  In the event the Executive becomes a party, or is threatened to
be made a party, to any action, suit or proceeding for which the Company has
agreed to provide insurance coverage or indemnification under this Paragraph 5,
the Company shall, to the full extent permitted under applicable law, advance
all expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgements, fines and
amounts paid in settlement (collectively "Expenses") incurred by the Executive
in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement, or appeal of any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, subject to receipt
by the Company of a written undertaking from the Executive:  (i) to reimburse
the Company for all Expenses actually paid by the Company to or on behalf of the
Executive in the event it shall be ultimately determined that the Executive is
not entitled to indemnification by the Company for such Expenses; and (ii) to
assign to the Company all rights of the Executive to indemnification, under any
policy of directors' and officers' liability insurance or otherwise, to the
extent of the amount of Expenses actually paid by the Company to or on behalf of
the Executive.

     6.   POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.  The Executive's activities
during his employment and following the termination of his employment for any
reason shall be subject to the Agreement Regarding Post-Employment Restrictive
Covenants (the "Non-Competition Agreement") attached hereto as Appendix B.

     7.   EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS.  This Agreement contains the entire
understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior written or
oral understandings and agreements between Executive and the Company.

     8.   MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.  This Agreement may not be modified or
amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.  No
term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor
shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this
Agreement, except by written instrument of the party  charged with such waiver
or estoppel.  No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless
specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall 


<PAGE>

operate only as to the  specific term or condition waived and shall not
constitute a waiver of such term or condition for  the future as to any act
other than that specifically waived.

     9.   TAX WITHHOLDING.  The Company or Bank may withhold from any amounts
payable to the Executive under this Agreement to satisfy all applicable Federal,
State, local or other withholding taxes.  In the event the Company or Bank fails
to withhold such sums for any reason, it may require the Executive to promptly
remit to it sufficient cash to satisfy all applicable income and employment
withholding taxes. 

     10.  ARBITRATION.  Except as expressly set forth elsewhere in this
Agreement or the Non-Competition Agreement, it is mutually agreed between the
parties that arbitration shall be the sole and exclusive remedy to redress any
dispute, claim or controversy (hereinafter referred to as "grievance") involving
the interpretation of this Agreement or the terms or conditions of this
Agreement or the terms, conditions or termination of the Executive's employment
with the Company or Bank.  It is the intention of the parties that the
arbitration award shall be final and binding and that a judgment on the award
may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction and enforcement may be had
according to its terms.  Arbitration shall be initiated by one party filing a
written demand on the other party.  Any demand for arbitration by the Executive
shall be made within 20 days after receipt of the Notice of Termination.  The
arbitrator shall be chosen in accordance with the voluntary labor arbitration
rules of the American Arbitration Association.  The place of the arbitration
shall be the offices of the American Arbitration Association in Chicago,
Illinois.  The arbitrator shall not have jurisdiction or authority to change any
of the provisions of this Agreement but shall interpret or apply any clause or
clauses of this Agreement.  The arbitrator shall have the power to compel the
attendance of witnesses at the hearing.  The parties stipulate that the
provisions hereof, and the decision of the arbitrator with respect to any
grievance, shall be the  sole and exclusive remedy for any alleged breach of the
employment relationship in which event the Company or Bank shall be entitled to
seek relief in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  The parties hereby
acknowledge that subject to the foregoing exception, neither party has the right
to resort to any federal, state or local court or administrative agency
concerning breaches of this Agreement and that the decision of the arbitrator
shall be a complete defense to any suit, action or proceeding instituted in any
federal, state or local court or before any administration agency with respect
to any grievance which is arbitrable as herein set forth.  The arbitration
provisions hereof shall, with respect to any grievance, survive the termination
or expiration of the Executive's employment under this Agreement.

     11.  MISCELLANEOUS.  

     (a)  If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of
any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other
provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid,
and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent
consistent with law continue in full force and effect.


<PAGE>

     (b)  The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for
convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of
any of the provisions of this Agreement. 

     (c)  To the extent not preempted by Federal law, this Agreement shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

     (d)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent that
any compensation or benefits are paid to or received by Executive from the Bank
or any other subsidiary of the Company, such compensation or benefits shall be
deemed to satisfy the Company's obligations hereunder.

     (e)  Notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given to any party (i) upon delivery, if delivered personally or by
courier, or (ii) upon dispatch, if transmitted by telecopy or other means of
facsimile, provided a copy thereof is sent by regular mail or courier; or (c)
within forty-eight (48) hours after deposit thereof in U.S. mail, postage
prepaid for delivery as registered or certified mail, return receipt requested
and, if to the Company, addressed to the principal office of the Company,
attention: Chairman; or, if to the Executive, to the address set forth below the
Executive's signature on this Agreement, or to such other address as the party
to be notified shall have given to the other.

     12.  SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the Company, and its successors and Executive and his successors and
assigns.  The Company shall require any successor or assignee, whether direct or
indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, expressly and
unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company's obligations under
this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place.


<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Company and Bank have caused this Agreement
to be executed by its  duly authorized officer and the Executive has signed this
Agreement, effective as of the date first written above.

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.


                              By: 
                                  --------------------------------
                              Its:   Chairman


                              COVEST BANC, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                              By:
                                   -------------------------------
                              Its:      Chairman


                              Executive:


                              -----------------------------------
                              James L. Roberts

                              Address:       S63W34297 Piper Road
                                             Eagle, WI 53119
                              Telecopy No.: (414) 392-3395




<PAGE>

                              COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.

                         1992 STOCK OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN

                         NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

     This Option was granted on January 20, 1999 by CoVest Bancshares, Inc. (the
"Corporation"), to James L. Roberts (the "Optionee"), in accordance with the
following terms and conditions:

     1.   OPTION GRANT AND EXERCISE PERIOD.  The Corporation has granted to the
Optionee an Option (the "Option") to purchase, pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option
and Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and this Agreement, an aggregate of 69,232
shares (the "Option Shares") of the common stock of the Corporation, par value
$.01 per share ("Common Stock"), at the price of $13.00 per share (the "Exercise
Price").  This Option is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  A copy of the
Plan, as currently in effect, is incorporated by reference and is attached to
this Agreement.

     This Option shall be exercisable only during the period (the "Exercise
Period") commencing on January 20, 1999  (the "Commencement Date"), and ending
at 5:00 p.m., Des Plaines, Illinois time, on the date ten years after the
Commencement Date, such later time and date being referred to as the "Expiration
Date." During the Exercise Period, this Option shall be exercisable, in whole or
in part, from time to time, in accordance with the following schedule and
subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  NUMBER OF SHARES
               DATE                                 EXERCISABLE
               ----                               ----------------
               <S>                                <C>
               January 20, 1999                        17,308
               January 20, 2000                        17,308
               January 20, 2001                        17,308
               January 20, 2002                        17,308
</TABLE>

     2.   METHOD OF EXERCISE OF THIS OPTION.  This Option may be exercised
during the Exercise Period by giving written notice to the Corporation
specifying the number of Option Shares to be purchased.  The notice must be in
the form prescribed by the committee referred to in Section 3 of the Plan or its
successor (the "Committee") and directed to the address set forth in Section 11
below.  The date of exercise is the date on which such notice is received by the
Corporation.  Such notice must be accompanied by payment in full of the Exercise
Price for the Option Shares to be purchased upon such exercise.  Payment shall
be made either:  (i) in cash, which may 

<PAGE>

be in the form of a check, bank draft, or money order payable to the 
Corporation; or (ii) if the Committee shall have previously approved such 
form of payment, by delivering shares of Common Stock already owned by the 
Optionee having a "Market Value" (as defined in the Plan as in effect on the 
date of the grant of this Option) equal to the applicable exercise price; or 
(iii) if the Committee shall have previously approved such form of payment, a 
combination of cash and such shares.  Promptly after such payment, subject to 
Section 3 below, the Corporation shall issue and deliver to the Optionee, or 
other person exercising this Option,  a certificate or certificates representing
the shares of Common Stock so purchased, registered in the name of the Optionee
(or such other person), or, upon request, in the name of the Optionee (or such
other person) and in the name of another jointly with right of survivorship.

     3.   DELIVERY AND REGISTRATION OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.  The
Corporation's obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock hereunder shall, if
the Committee so requests, be conditioned upon the receipt of a representation
as to the investment intention of the Optionee, or any other person, to whom
such shares are to be delivered, in such form as the Committee shall determine
to be necessary or advisable to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or any other federal, state or local securities law or
regulation.  In requesting any such representation, it may be provided that such
representation requirement shall become inoperative upon a registration of such
shares or other action eliminating the necessity of such representation under
such Securities Act or other securities law or regulation.  The Corporation
shall not be required to deliver any shares upon exercise of this Option prior
to (i) the admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange or system
on which the shares of Common Stock may then be listed, and (ii) the completion
of such registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or
federal law, rule or regulation, as the Committee shall determine to be
necessary or advisable.

     4.   NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF THIS OPTION.  This Option may not be assigned,
encumbered, or transferred except, in the event of the death of the Optionee, by
will or the laws of descent and distribution to the extent provided in Section 5
below.  Except as provided herein, this Option is exercisable during the
Optionee's lifetime only by the Optionee.  The provisions of this Option shall
be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties
hereto, the successors and assigns of the Corporation and any person to whom
this Option is transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or
pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, as described in the Plan.

     5.   TERMINATION OF SERVICE OR DEATH OF THE OPTIONEE.  Except as provided
in the second or third paragraphs of this Section 5 and notwithstanding any
other provision of this Option to the contrary, this Option shall not be
exercisable unless the Optionee, at the time he exercises this Option, has
maintained "Continuous Service" (as 

<PAGE>

defined in the Plan as in effect on the date of the grant of this Option) since
the date of the grant of this Option.

<PAGE>

     If the Optionee shall cease to maintain Continuous Service because of total
or partial disability, or because of retirement, the Optionee may, but only
within the period of three months immediately succeeding such cessation of
Continuous Service and in no event after the Expiration Date, exercise this
Option to the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise this Option at the
date of cessation.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Optionee shall cease
to maintain Continuous Service due to normal retirement, and the Optionee has
served the Corporation or CoVest Banc, National Association for at least ten
years, the Optionee may, but only during the period of five years immediately
succeeding such cessation of Continuous Service and in no event after the
expiration of this Option, exercise such Option.  If the Optionee is terminated
for cause, all rights under this Option shall expire immediately upon the giving
to the Optionee of notice of such termination.

     In the event of the death of the Optionee while in Continuous Service of
the Corporation or during the three month and five year periods referred to in
the immediately preceding paragraph, the person to whom the Option has been
transferred by will or by the laws of descent and distribution may, but only to
the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise this Option immediately prior
to his death, exercise this Option at any time within one year following the
death of the Optionee, but in no event later than ten years from the date of the
grant of this Option.  Following the death of the Optionee, the Committee may,
as an alternative means of settlement of this Option, elect to pay to the person
to whom this Option is transferred by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution the amount by which the Market Value (as defined in the Plan) per
share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of this Option shall exceed the
Exercise Price per Option Share, multiplied by the number of Option Shares with
respect to which this Option is properly exercised.  Any such settlement of this
Option shall be considered an exercise of this Option for all purposes of this
Option and of the Plan.

     6.   ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION OF THE CORPORATION.  In the
event of any change in the outstanding shares of Common Stock by reason of any
reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination or
exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, or any change in the corporate
structure of the Corporation or in the shares of Common Stock, the number and
class of shares covered by this Option and the Exercise Price shall be
appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be
conclusive.

     7.   EFFECT OF MERGER.  In the event of any merger, consolidation or
combination of the Corporation with or into another corporation (other than a
merger, consolidation, or combination in which the Corporation is the continuing
corporation and which does not result in the outstanding shares of Common Stock
being converted into or exchanged for different securities, cash or other
property, or any combination thereof), the Optionee shall have the right
(subject to the provisions of the Plan and the 

<PAGE>

limitations contained herein) thereafter and during the Exercise Period, to 
receive upon exercise of this Option an amount equal to the excess of the 
fair market value on the date of such exercise of the securities, cash or 
other property, or combination thereof, receivable upon such merger, 
consolidation or combination in respect of a share of Common Stock over the 
Exercise Price, multiplied by the number of Option Shares with respect to 
which this Option shall have been exercised.  Such amount may be payable 
fully in cash, fully in one or more of the kind or kinds of property payable 
in such merger, consolidation or combination, or partly in cash and partly in 
one or more of such kind or kinds of property, all in the discretion of the 
Committee.

     8.   EFFECT OF CHANGE IN CONTROL.  If a tender offer or exchange offer for
shares of Common Stock (other than such an offer by the Corporation) is
commenced, or if the stockholders of the Corporation shall approve an agreement
providing either for a transaction in which the Corporation will cease to be an
independent publicly owned entity or for a sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all the assets of the Corporation, this Option shall (to the
extent it is not then exercisable) become exercisable in full upon the happening
of such event and shall remain so exercisable for a period of sixty days
following such date after which this Option shall revert to being exercisable in
accordance with the other provisions of this Option.

     9.   STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS NOT GRANTED BY THIS OPTION.  The Optionee is not
entitled by virtue hereof to any rights of a stockholder of the Corporation or
to notice of meetings of stockholders or to notice of any other proceedings of
the Corporation.

     10.  WITHHOLDING TAX.  Where the Optionee or another person is entitled to
receive Option Shares pursuant to the exercise of this Option, the Corporation
shall have the right to require the Optionee or such other person to pay to the
Corporation the amount of any taxes which the Corporation or any of its
Affiliates is required to withhold with respect to such Option Shares, or, in
lieu thereof, to retain, or sell without notice, a sufficient number of such
shares to cover the amount required to be withheld or in lieu of any of the
foregoing, to withhold a sufficient sum from the Optionee's compensation payable
by the Corporation to satisfy the Corporation's tax withholding requirements. 
The Corporation's method of satisfying its withholding obligations shall be
solely in the discretion of the Corporation, subject to applicable federal,
state and local law.

     11.  NOTICES.  All notices hereunder to the Corporation shall be delivered
or mailed to it addressed to the Secretary of CoVest Bancshares, Inc., 749 Lee
Street, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016-6471.  Any notices hereunder to the Optionee
shall be delivered personally or mailed to the Optionee's address noted below. 
Such addresses for the service of notices may be changed at any time provided
written notice of the change is furnished in advance to the Corporation or to
the Optionee, as the case may be.

     12.  PLAN AND PLAN INTERPRETATIONS AS CONTROLLING.  This Option and the
terms 

<PAGE>

and conditions herein set forth are subject in all respects to the terms
and conditions of the Plan, which are controlling.  All determinations and
interpretations of the Committee shall be binding and conclusive upon the
Optionee or his legal representatives with regard to any question arising under
this Agreement or under the Plan.


     13.  OPTIONEE SERVICE.  Nothing in this Option shall limit the right of the
Corporation or any of its Affiliates to terminate the Optionee's service as a
director, officer or employee, or otherwise impose upon the Corporation or any
of its Affiliates any obligation to employ or accept the services of the
Optionee.

     14.  OPTIONEE ACCEPTANCE.  The Optionee shall signify his acceptance of the
terms and conditions of this Option by signing in the space provided below and
returning a signed copy of this Agreement to the Corporation at the address set
forth in Section 11 above.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first above written.

                                          COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.

                                          By:
                                             -----------------------------
                                             Chairman of the Board


                                          ACCEPTED:


                                          --------------------------------
                                          James L. Roberts

                                          --------------------------------
                                          (Street Address)

                                          --------------------------------
                                          (City, State and ZIP Code)


<PAGE>

                             AGREEMENT REGARDING POST-
                          EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
                                          
                                          
     THIS AGREEMENT made effective as of January 20, 1999, by and between CoVest
Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company"), CoVest Banc, National Association (the "Bank")
and James L. Roberts ("Executive"). 

                                 W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, Company and its affiliates are engaged in depository, lending and
other financial services businesses (the "Business"); 

     WHEREAS, Executive has expertise, experience and capability in the
Business; 

     WHEREAS, the Company and Bank have invested significant amounts in the
development of there Business; 

     WHEREAS, Executive will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company and the Bank pursuant to an employment agreement of even date
herewith (the "Employment Agreement"), which, among other things, contains
Executive's agreement to enter into this Agreement regarding confidentiality and
post-employment restrictive covenants for the Company, the Bank, and/or their
subsidiaries (the Company, the Bank and/or subsidiaries hereinafter "Company or
its affiliates") in return for the compensation set forth therein; and

     WHEREAS, Executive is willing to provide such agreements to the Company and
the Bank. 

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which consideration is mutually acknowledged by the parties, it
is hereby agreed as follows: 

     1.   RECITALS.

     The recitals hereinbefore set forth constitute an integral part of this
Agreement, evidencing the intent of the parties in executing this Agreement, and
describing the circumstances surrounding its execution.  Said recitals are by
express reference made a part of the covenants hereof, and this Agreement shall
be construed in light thereof.

     2.   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

<PAGE>

     Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment he will
learn or develop Confidential Information (as that term is defined in this
Section 2).  Executive further acknowledges that unauthorized disclosure or use
of such Confidential Information, other than in discharge of Executive's duties,
will cause the Company or its affiliates irreparable harm.

     For purposes of this Section, Confidential Information means trade secrets
(such as  proprietary technical and non-technical data, a program, method,
technique, process) and other confidential information concerning the products,
processes, services, or customers of the Company or its affiliates, including
but not limited to:  computer programs; marketing, or organizational research
and development; business plans; revenue forecasts; personnel information,
including the identity of other employees of the Company or its affiliates,
their responsibilities, competence, abilities, and compensation; pricing and
financial information; current and prospective customer lists and information on
customers or their employees; information concerning planned or pending
acquisitions or divestitures; and information concerning purchases of major
equipment or property, which information:  (a) has not been made generally
available to the public; and (b) is useful or of value to the current or
anticipated business, or research or development activities of the Company or
its affiliates; or (c) has been identified to Executive as confidential by the
Company or its affiliates, either orally or in writing during his employment.

     Except in the course of his employment and in the pursuit of the business
of the Company or its affiliates, Executive shall not, during the course of his
employment, or following termination of his employment for any reason, directly
or indirectly, disclose, publish, communicate or use on his behalf or another's
behalf, any Confidential Information, proprietary information or other data of
the Company or its affiliates.

     Executive acknowledges that as to certain aspects of its business, the
Company and its affiliates operate and compete throughout Cook County, Illinois
and adjacent counties and that the Company or its affiliates will be harmed by
unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information regardless of where
such disclosure or use occurs, and that therefore this confidentiality agreement
is not limited to any single state or other jurisdiction.

     3.   NON-COMPETITION.

     During the term of his employment and for the period ending upon the later
of (a) twelve (12) months after the date Executive's employment with the Company
and its affiliates terminates, or (b) the date the Executive receives the final
payment of any severance payments under the Employment Agreement (the
"Non-Compete Period"), the Executive shall not, in the Territory (except in his
capacity as an officer or director of the Company or its affiliate), (a) engage
or participate in the business of an institution insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration (an "Insured
Institution"), (b) engage or participate in, be employed by or render services
to any Insured Institution or any affiliate thereof engaged in lending
activities, or (c) directly or indirectly become 

<PAGE>

interested in any Insured Institution or any affiliate thereof engaged in 
lending activities referred to in clause (b) above in any capacity, including 
without limitation, as an individual, partner, shareholder, lender, officer, 
director, principal, agent or trustee; provided, however, that the Executive 
may own, directly or indirectly, solely as an investment, securities of any 
Insured Institution or affiliate thereof if Executive is not a controlling 
person of such entity, or a member of a group which controls such entity and 
Executive does not own more than 5% of any class of equity securities of such 
entity.

     "Territory" for purposes hereof shall mean those communities in which the
Company or any of its affiliates has an office or branch, or has filed an
application for  regulatory approval to establish an office or branch (whether
DE NOVO or by acquisition), together with those communities which are within a
25 mile radius of any such financial institutions or branches.  The "Territory"
shall become fixed as of the earlier date of (1) the date the Executive's
employment terminates, or (2) the date immediately preceding the date of a
Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement), and shall not be
expanded as a result of any additional communities in which the Company or any
of its affiliates may thereafter establish a financial institution or branch.

     4.   INDUCEMENT OF OTHER EMPLOYEES.

     During the Non-Compete Period, Executive will not directly or indirectly
solicit, induce or encourage any person who, as of the date immediately
preceding the date of the termination of Executive's employment, is an employee
of the Company or any of its affiliates to terminate his or her relationship
with the Company or its affiliates.

     5.   RETURN OF THE COMPANY'S PROPERTY.

     All notes, reports, plans, published memoranda or other documents created,
developed, generated or held by Executive during employment, concerning or
related to the Company's or its affiliates' business, and whether containing or
relating to Confidential Information or not, are the property of the Company or
its affiliates and will be promptly delivered to the Company or its affiliates
upon termination of Executive's employment for any reason whatsoever.

     6.   REMEDIES.

     Executive acknowledges that the restraints and agreements herein provided
are fair and reasonable, that enforcement of the provisions of Sections 2, 3, 4
and 5 will not cause him undue hardship and that said provisions are reasonably
necessary and commensurate with the need to protect the Company or its
affiliates and its legitimate and proprietary business interests and property
from irreparable harm.

<PAGE>

     Executive acknowledges that failure to comply with the terms of this
Agreement will cause irreparable damage to the Company or its affiliates. 
Therefore, Executive agrees that, in addition to any other remedies at law or in
equity available to the Company or its affiliates for Executive's breach or
threatened breach of this Agreement, the Company or its affiliates is entitled
to (a) the repayment by Executive of any severance benefits paid or provided to
Executive under the Employment Agreement and (b) specific performance or
injunctive relief, without bond, against Executive to prevent such damage or
breach, and the existence of any claim or cause of action Executive may have
against the Company will not constitute a defense thereto.  Executive further
agrees to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs of litigation incurred by the
Company or its affiliates in any proceeding relating to the enforcement of the
Agreement or to any alleged breach thereof in which the Company or its
affiliates prevail in full as determined by a final order entered in such
action.

     In the event of a breach or a violation by Executive of any of the
covenants and provisions of this Agreement, the running of the Non-Compete
Period (but not of Executive's obligation thereunder), shall be tolled during
the period of the continuance of any actual breach or violation.

     7.   ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING.

     This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties
relating to Executive's restrictions on Executive's post-employment services and
supersedes and cancels all prior written and oral understandings and agreements
with respect to such matters.

     8.   BINDING EFFECT.

     This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Company and its successors and Executive and his successors and assigns.  The
Company shall each require any successor or assignee, whether direct or
indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, expressly and
unconditionally to assume and agree to perform the Company's obligations under
this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place.

     9.   PARTIAL INVALIDITY.

     The various provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable and
to constitute independent and distinct binding obligations.  Should any
provision of this Agreement be determined to be void and unenforceable, in whole
or in part, it shall not be deemed to affect or impair the validity of any other
provision or part thereof, and such provision or part thereof shall be deemed
modified to the extent required to permit enforcement.  Without  limiting the
generality of the foregoing, if the scope of any provision contained in this
Agreement is too broad to permit enforcement to its full extent, but may be made
enforceable by limitations 

<PAGE>

thereon, such provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by 
law, and Executive hereby agrees that such scope may be judicially modified 
accordingly.

     10.  STRICT CONSTRUCTION.

     The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language
chosen by the Company and Executive to express their mutual intent and no rule
of strict construction shall be applied against any person.

     11.  WAIVER.

     The waiver of any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this
Agreement by any other party shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of
any subsequent breach.

     12.  NOTICES.

     Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given
hereunder shall be  determined to have been duly given to any party (a) upon
delivery to the address of such party specified on the signature page hereof if
delivered personally or by courier; (b) upon dispatch if transmitted by telecopy
or other means of facsimile, provided a copy thereof is also sent by regular
mail or courier; or (c) within forty-eight (48) hours after deposit thereof in
the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, for delivery as certified mail, return receipt
requested, addressed, in any case to the party at the address(es) or telecopy
numbers set forth on the signature page hereof or to such other address(es) or
telecopy number(s) as any party may designate by written notice in the aforesaid
manner.

     13.  GOVERNING LAW.

     This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted, construed and
enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois.

     14.  GENDER AND NUMBER.

     Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in
either the singular of plural shall include the singular and the plural, and the
pronouns stated in either the masculine, the feminine or the neuter gender shall
include the masculine, feminine or neuter.

     15.  HEADINGS.

     The headings of the Sections of this Agreement are for reference purposes
only and do not define or limit, and shall not be used to interpret or construe
the contents of this Agreement.

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed at Des Plaines, Illinois, on the date above set forth. 


                                           COVEST BANCSHARES, INC.


                                           By:
                                              --------------------------------
                                           Its: Chairman
                                       
                                       
                                           COVEST BANC, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                       
                                           By:
                                              --------------------------------
                                           Its: Chairman

                                           Address:       749 Lee Street
                                                   Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

                                           Telecopy No.:  (847) 824-4402



                                           EXECUTIVE



                                           James L. Roberts

                                           Address:       S63W34297 Piper Road
                                                          Eagle, WI 53119
                                           Telecopy No.:  (414) 392-3395


<PAGE>

                                                                Exhibit 23.1


                     [LETTERHEAD OF CROWE CHIZEK & COMPANY LLP] 




     We consent to the incorporation by reference of our report included herein,
dated January 29, 1999, relating to the consolidated financial statements of
CoVest Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1998, in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on November 4, 1994, as amended on March 14, 1997, and into
the two Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed by the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 1995. 


                                        Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP


Oak Brook, Illinois
March 22, 1999


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 9
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                          18,395
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                          21,282
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                     0
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                     0
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                     88,017
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                          87,549
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                            88,017
<LOANS>                                        406,641
<ALLOWANCE>                                      4,312
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 548,697
<DEPOSITS>                                     364,535
<SHORT-TERM>                                     6,755
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             10,456
<LONG-TERM>                                    120,000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            44
<OTHER-SE>                                      46,907
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 548,697
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 31,998
<INTEREST-INVEST>                                8,407
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                   538
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                40,943
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              15,595
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              24,739
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           16,204
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    1,567
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 225
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 14,245
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,971
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                       5,971
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,871
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .92
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .87
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    7.40
<LOANS-NON>                                      1,021
<LOANS-PAST>                                         0
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 3,977
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    1,393
<RECOVERIES>                                       161
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                4,312
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                             4,312
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0
        

</TABLE>


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