Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Form S-8 Nos. 333-183234, 333-177809, 333-177808, 333-175899, 333-169844, 333-140141, 333-136964, 333-61678, 333-33459, 333-52650, 333-96983, 333-52652, 333-124433, 333-111277, 333-119979, 333-119976 and 333-117044; and

(2) Form S-3 Nos. 333-175467, 333-165166, 333-165166-01, 333-155637, 333-155637-01, 333-84188, 333-103134, and 333-115898

of our reports dated February 28, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Wintrust Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Wintrust Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Wintrust Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2012.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 28, 2013