Wintrust Financial Corporation has announced the opening of its downtown Chicago lending office.

Named Wintrust Commercial Banking, the office now has a dozen commercial lending staff and a wealth management team. In a statement, the bank said that the new branch is expected to support its drive to target more mid-market businesses and offer the commercial lending and treasury services typically offered at Wintrust's other banks into Chicago.

"Wintrust has been built upon Midwestern values and client service and we are ready and well poised to bring old fashioned banking to Chicago's commercial sector, said Edward Wehmer, the bank's president and chief executive officer.

The branch will be led by John McKinnon, who joins the firm from JP Morgan Chase and assumes the role as chairman of the group. Paul Carlisle, also from JP Morgan Chase, will provide strategic day to day leadership for the Chicago lending group.

Also added is a specialized wealth management team focused primarily on mid-market business owners. The unit shall be led by Braden Smith, executive vice president-wealth management, Patrick Rule, vice president-wealth management, and Scott Fortano, vice president of investments.

Wintrust has over 80 banking offices across the US.