FINANCE & INSURANCE
Chicago is a premier U.S. finance and insurance hub, distinguished by its global exchanges, numerous major industry corporations either headquartered or with a key presence in the region, deep talent pool, and growing fintech sector. Its diversified financial ecosystem and central location drive high-wage employment, innovation, and sustained industry growth.
By The Numbers
$80.3B in industry output in 2025 – 3rd in the nation, up 8.9% over 2024
246,000 employed in finance and insurance across the region – 3rd in the nation
12,919 finance and insurance businesses, up 0.7% year over year
15 major finance and insurance companies opened, expanded, or relocated to Chicagoland in 2025 alone
The Infrastructure Of Global Markets
Chicago is home to two of the world's largest financial exchanges – CME Group and Cboe Global Markets – along with the clearinghouses and data centers that underpin global trading networks. The region ranks 9th globally for data center market quality, with ultra-low latency connectivity that keeps Chicago at the center of capital markets operations worldwide.
An Integrated Industry
Chicago's position at the intersection of manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and energy makes it the natural home for markets that price risk across all of them. This depth of industry crossover is difficult to replicate and continues to draw firms that need proximity to the markets they serve.
Talent Built For This Industry
The University of Chicago, Northwestern, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign collectively produce some of the most sought-after finance, economics, and quantitative talent in the world. In 2024, Chicagoland institutions produced over 1,500 finance and financial management graduates and more than 1,100 in mathematics and statistics – rankings that place the region in the top five nationally in both fields.
Fintech & Insurtech At The Frontier
The region's established financial base has become a launchpad for innovation. The sector increasingly intersects with technology – spanning algorithmic trading, financial data infrastructure, and fintech innovation. Our region’s concentration of trading firms, financial data providers, and digital finance startups reflects a sector evolving rapidly, and choosing Chicago to do it.
Featured Research
Connect With Our Team
Our team works directly with finance and insurance firms exploring Chicago for expansion or relocation. Tell us about your project and we'll be in touch.