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Esquire Bank Acquires Chicago's Signature Bank
Expansion into Midwest litigation market boosts Esquire's legal banking portfolio
Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:53pm
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Esquire Bank's acquisition of Signature Bank expands its specialized legal banking services into the Midwest's robust commercial and litigation markets.NYC TodayNew York-based Esquire Bank has agreed to acquire Chicago's Signature Bank in a $348.4 million stock deal, expanding Esquire's specialized legal banking services into the Midwest region. The combined entity will have $4.8 billion in assets and a stronger commercial banking presence to serve law firms and other clients.
Why it matters
The acquisition allows Esquire Bank to diversify its legal banking focus by adding Signature's commercial and commercial real estate expertise in the Chicago market, the fourth-largest litigation hub in the country. It also reduces Esquire's concentration in legal banking from 70% to below 50% of its funding.
The details
Under the deal, Esquire will pay $348.4 million in stock to acquire Signature Bank, a Chicago-based commercial bank with a longstanding history in the city's commercial and commercial real estate sectors. The combined entity will have $4.8 billion in assets, giving Esquire a larger platform to serve law firms and other commercial clients. Esquire specializes in providing financial services tailored to the needs of plaintiff law firms, including options to finance upfront case costs and accommodate irregular cash flows.
- Esquire Bank agreed to acquire Signature Bank on April 3, 2026.
The players
Esquire Bank
A New York-based full-service commercial bank that has specialized in serving the financial needs of plaintiff law firms for more than 20 years.
Signature Bank
A Chicago-based commercial bank with a longstanding history in the city's commercial and commercial real estate sectors.
Andrew C. Sagliocca
CEO and President of Esquire Bank.
Mick O'Rourke
President of Signature Bank.
What they’re saying
“Financially, it enhances our operating profile, expands our resources, and diversifies our balance sheet while maintaining a robust capital position for continued expansion in our unique national litigation platform. Strategically, the combination brings together two institutions with highly complementary commercial banking operations and capabilities.”
— Andrew C. Sagliocca, CEO and President, Esquire Bank
“By bringing together Signature's strong Midwest commercial banking franchise with Esquire's national capabilities, we will have greater resources and expanded reach to support our clients as they grow.”
— Mick O'Rourke, President, Signature Bank
What’s next
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
The takeaway
This acquisition allows Esquire Bank to diversify its specialized legal banking services by adding Signature Bank's commercial banking expertise in the Midwest, strengthening Esquire's position as a national platform for law firms and other commercial clients.
