Chicago-founded commercial bank celebrates two decades of growth, resilience and trusted partnerships as it enters its next chapter

ROSEMONT, IL — May 20, 2026 — Signature Bank, one of the fastest-growing commercial banks in the Midwest, is celebrating 20 years of serving privately held businesses, their owners and their families, marking two decades of relationship-driven banking that began in Chicago in 2006 and has grown into one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing commercial banking franchises.

“Twenty years ago, we set out to build a different kind of bank, one where relationships and trust mattered as much as the numbers,” said Mick O’Rourke, President and CEO. “That philosophy has shaped every chapter of our growth. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud of what we’ve built and deeply grateful to the clients and colleagues who built it with us. While banking continues to evolve and new opportunities lie ahead, our commitment to putting relationships first will remain at the center of everything we do.” 

A Track Record of Growth, Performance and Staying Power

From its first office in Chicago to its expanded presence across the Chicago and Wisconsin markets, Signature Bank has grown by pairing big-bank capabilities with community-bank service. Over the past year alone, Signature Bank earned several industry accolades demonstrating ongoing success and momentum: it reported its ninth consecutive year of record profitability for 2025; climbed to No. 12 on Crain’s Chicago Business’ list of the largest banks in Chicago; earned a place on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the fifth year; and was named one of American Banker’s 2025 Best Banks to Work For for the ninth year in a row.

That performance has been accompanied by ongoing investment in capabilities that help clients operate more efficiently and plan for the long term. In 2025, Signature Bank enhanced its digital banking platform to improve speed, security and efficiency for its clients’ day-to-day operations and cash management. The bank also expanded its wealth management offering and, in January, launched Signature Trust Company in partnership with Midwest Trust, extending its ability to support clients with estate, fiduciary and legacy planning.

“These investments reflect our approach over the past 20 years, continuously adapting and expanding our capabilities to meet the needs of our customers and their businesses,” said Bryan Duncan, Co-founder and Executive Vice President. “From enhancing digital banking tools to expanding into trust and estate services, our focus is on making it easier for customers to manage their businesses while planning confidently for the future. Our role is to bring those capabilities together in a way that feels easily accessible while delivering the relationship-driven, high-touch service our customers expect.”

Celebrating 20 Years Through Stories, Clients and Community

Signature Bank’s milestone will be celebrated by reflecting on the impact it has made on the people, businesses, and communities it serves, bringing stories to life with an anniversary-themed brand campaign and “20 Years, 20 Stories” featuring articles, videos and photos spotlighting legacy moments and future vision. 

“20 Years, 20 Stories” spotlights untold founder tales about what it takes to open bank doors for the very first time and gain traction as a new bank brand; employee perspectives on the formula for building enduring relationships with clients and local charities; and real-world client partnerships, often at pivotal moments of transition, investment, or reinvention. New stories will be continuously rolled out throughout the rest of the year. 

“As the industry continues to shift, we believe the banking institutions that endure are the ones that stay true to why they were built in the first place,” said Kevin Bastuga, Co-founder and Executive Vice President. “From day one, our focus has been on relationships,  earning trust and delivering exceptional service for our clients by understanding their full story. That’s what shaped our first 20 years, and it’s what will carry us forward into the next chapter.”

Looking Ahead 

The 20th anniversary marks both a celebration and a turning point. Over the past two decades, Signature Bank has built its business on long-term relationships, accessible leadership and a hands-on approach to serving clients – remaining consistent even as markets, industries and client needs have evolved. This foundation will continue guiding Signature Bank into its next chapter as it continues to help clients navigate change, pursue growth opportunities and plan for the future with confidence.

For more information on Signature Bank and its 20 year success story, visit https://www.signaturebank.bank/20th-anniversary.

About Signature Bank

Signature Bank is celebrating 20 years as an award-winning, relationship-based commercial bank founded in 2006. Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, Signature Bank provides accessible, strategic and highly individualized commercial banking services to closely held companies, as well as full-service retail banking capabilities. Technology-driven and well-capitalized, Signature Bank is one of the fastest-growing independently owned business banks in the Chicago-Wisconsin markets and has been recognized by American Banker as one of the Best Banks to Work For. Visit Signature Bank online at SignatureBank.bank.