Exhibit 23.1 The Board of Directors Lake Forest Bancorp, Inc. We consent to the use of our reports included herein (or incorporated herein by reference) in this Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Wintrust Financial Corporation. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Chicago, Illinois September 13, 1996 Page 8 of 12 The Board of Directors North Shore Community Bancorp, Inc. We consent to the use of our reports included herein (or incorporated herein by reference) in this Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Wintrust Financial Corporation. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Chicago, Illinois September 13, 1996 Page 9 of 12 The Board of Directors Hinsdale Bancorp, Inc. We consent to the use of our reports included herein (or incorporated herein by reference) in this Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Wintrust Financial Corporation. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Chicago, Illinois September 13, 1996 Page 10 of 12 The Board of Directors Libertyville Bancorp, Inc. We consent to the use of our reports included herein (or incorporated herein by reference) in this Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Wintrust Financial Corporation. KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP Chicago, Illinois September 13, 1996 Page 11 of 12