Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-52652) pertaining to the Wintrust Financial  Corporation  Retirement
Savings  Plan,  of our report dated May 8, 2003,  with respect to the  financial
statements and schedule of Wintrust  Financial  Corporation  Retirement  Savings
Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended  December 31,
2002.

                                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, IL
June 24, 2003