CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the use of our report dated November 16, 1998, with respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements of Tricom, Inc. of Milwaukee and Subsidiary,
for the year ended  September  30, 1998  included in the Current  Report of Form
8-K/A of Wintrust Financial Corporation.



KOLB LAUWASSER & CO., S.C.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

December 23, 1999