Signature, a division of Esquire Bank, 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 financial institution, one where relationships and trust mattered as much as the numbers,” said Mick O’Rourke, President of Signature, a division of Esquire Bank, N.A. “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 has grown by pairing big-bank capabilities with community-bank service. Over the past year alone, Signature earned several industry accolades demonstrating ongoing success and momentum.
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 enhanced its digital banking platform to improve speed, security and efficiency for its clients’ day-to-day operations and cash management. Signature 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, Executive Vice President of Signature, a division of Esquire Bank, N.A. “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’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.
“20 Years, 20 Stories” spotlights untold tales about what it takes to open their doors for the very first time and gain traction as a new 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, Executive Vice President of Signature, a division of Esquire Bank, N.A. “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 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 into its next chapter as it continues to help clients navigate change, pursue growth opportunities and plan for the future with confidence.
