A Global Financial and Insurance Capital in the Heart of the Midwest.
Chicago’s financial and insurance ecosystem is one of the most diverse and sophisticated in the world. The region is home to global banking institutions, trading giants, and top-tier insurers — supported by a deep workforce of analysts, actuaries, and technologists who drive innovation across risk management, investment, and fintech.
Leading firms such as JPMorgan Chase, Northern Trust, Cboe Global Markets, CME Group, Aon, and Zurich North America anchor a regional economy that manages trillions in assets and underwrites risk across global markets. Meanwhile, a fast-growing fintech and insurtech community is reimagining how capital is deployed, protected, and scaled.
WHY CHICAGO?
Global Market Influence: Chicago is home to two of the world’s largest financial exchanges — CME Group and Cboe Global Markets — as well as global insurance leaders Aon and Zurich North America.
Fintech and Insurtech Momentum: The region’s growing innovation ecosystem — supported by accelerators, VCs, and corporate partners — drives advances in digital banking, insurance analytics, and blockchain solutions.
Unmatched Talent Pipeline: With access to world-class universities, Chicago produces leading experts in finance, risk management, actuarial science, and data analytics.
Central, Connected, and Cost-Effective: Chicago’s central location, business-friendly environment, and competitive operating costs make it a strategic base for both established firms and growth-stage innovators.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 13,163 businesses, #4 in the nation among major metro areas
- 265,000+ employed, #3 in the nation among major metro areas
- $69B+ in output, (nominal GDP) #3 in the nation among major metro areas
Chicago is where financial strength
meets future innovation.
World Business Chicago connects financial and insurance leaders, innovators, and investors with the people, partnerships, and infrastructure that make Chicago a global center for stability, innovation, and growth.