LaSalle increases private banking presence in Chicago

Northwestern Financial Review, Feb 1-Feb 14, 2003

LaSalle Bank has opened a new wealth management office in Wheaton, Ill., a Chicago suburb. The office provides financial services to high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners.

LaSalle's wealth management business has expanded over the past four years to include offices throughout the Chicagoland area. LaSalle has a wealth management office in Hinsdale and also opened wealth management offices in Highland Park and Rockford earlier this year.

Paul Becker, group senior vice president, will head up the wealth management office in Wheaton. Becker has more than 20 years of investment management experience. He joined LaSalle in 1984 and has held various positions with the bank including chief investment officer, head of the domestic private asset group, and he established an offshore portfolio management group for clients based in Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.

"We are excited to open a LaSalle Bank Wealth Management Office in Wheaton," stated Becker. "We look to develop lasting consultative relationships and to build fully customized solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net worth individuals in the west suburban area."

LaSalle's wealth management group targets individuals and business owners with assets to invest of approximately $1 million or an average annual income of at least $250,000. LaSalle Bank is one of the Midwest's largest banks with $58 billion in assets.