Question 1

What is Old Second?

Accepted Answer

Old Second is a full-service community bank serving families and businesses throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. With approximately $7 billion in assets and 59 branch locations across northern Illinois, it ranks as one of the largest community banks headquartered in the Chicago region.

The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial products including personal and business banking, commercial lending, wealth management, mortgage services, and treasury solutions. Old Second is known for its local decision-making, community involvement, and commitment to serving both urban and rural customers.

Question 2

When was Old Second founded?

Accepted Answer

Old Second was founded on December 1, 1871, in Aurora, Illinois. The bank was established just 35 miles west of Chicago on the Fox River during a period when the United States was still recovering from the Civil War.

The founders created the institution to serve the commerce, industry, and agriculture needs of the growing Aurora community. The bank's name derives from its founding purpose as the "second" bank in Aurora.

Over the past 150+ years, Old Second has evolved from a single location into a major regional banking institution while maintaining its community banking philosophy and commitment to local service.

Question 3

Where is Old Second headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Old Second is headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, located in Kane County. Aurora is situated approximately 35 miles west of Chicago on the Fox River.

The historic downtown Aurora location has served as the bank's home since its founding in 1871. In 1924, the bank constructed a notable Prairie-style building designed by renowned Chicago architect George Elmsley, which still stands today.

Question 4

Where does Old Second operate?

Accepted Answer

Old Second operates throughout the Chicago metropolitan area with 59 branches across northern Illinois. The bank maintains a strong presence in the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago, including significant operations in Kane, DuPage, and Cook counties.

The bank's footprint extends from downtown Chicago to the surrounding suburban and exurban communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Old Second serves both densely populated urban neighborhoods and rural agricultural communities.

Following recent acquisitions, including five branches from First Merchants Bank in 2024 and the pending acquisition of Evergreen Bank Group in 2025, Old Second continues to expand its Chicago-area presence.

Question 5

What services does Old Second offer?

Accepted Answer

Old Second provides comprehensive financial services for consumers, businesses, and wealth management clients.

Personal Banking: Checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), personal loans, auto loans, credit cards, and home equity lines of credit.

Business Banking: Business checking and savings accounts, commercial loans, industrial loans, agricultural loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, commercial real estate financing, and equipment financing. The bank features local commercial banking decision-makers who understand the regional market.

Mortgage Services: Complete mortgage solutions including first-time homebuyer programs, conventional mortgages, jumbo loans, and refinancing options.

Wealth Management: Retirement planning, investment management, trust services, estate planning, and financial advisory services.

Digital Banking: The O2 Digital Banking platform offers mobile banking apps, online account access, mobile check deposit, Zelle payments, card management controls, bill pay services, and account aggregation tools that allow customers to view accounts from other institutions in one place.

Treasury Management: Corporate cash management solutions, merchant services, and commercial online banking for business clients.

Question 6

What makes Old Second unique?

Accepted Answer

Old Second distinguishes itself through its remarkable 150+ year history of continuous operation, having never closed for a single day—even during the Great Depression when three other Aurora banks failed.

The bank combines the resources and capabilities of a major regional institution with the personal service and local decision-making of a community bank. Commercial clients benefit from working with local bankers who have deep knowledge of the Chicagoland market and authority to make lending decisions.

Old Second has demonstrated consistent commitment to community service, with employees volunteering extensive hours annually to support local organizations and causes. The bank takes a leadership role in community development and participates actively in civic initiatives throughout its service area.

The institution has successfully navigated major historical challenges including the Civil War aftermath, the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Great Depression, World War II, and the 2008 financial crisis, demonstrating resilience and sound management across multiple generations.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Old Second?

Accepted Answer

Old Second is a National Bank operating under a national bank charter. As Old Second National Bank, it is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

The bank operates as the wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Second Bancorp, Inc., a publicly-traded bank holding company listed on NASDAQ under the symbol OSBC. This structure combines the regulatory framework of a national bank with the capital markets access of a public company.

Old Second fits the community bank model, emphasizing relationship banking, local market knowledge, and personalized service despite its significant size and regional footprint. The bank focuses on serving the specific needs of its Chicago-area communities rather than pursuing a national expansion strategy.

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