Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Premium Finance Solutions in Chicago
First Insurance Funding has been a leader in premium finance services for over 30 years, specializing in innovative solutions for property and casualty insurance policies. As part of the Wintrust family, we combine industry expertise with personalized service to support insurance brokers, agents, and their clients across North America. Our commitment to flexibility, technology integration, and community involvement drives our mission to be the premier choice for premium financing and financial solutions. 
Services
Premium Finance
Life Insurance Financing
Canadian Agency Solutions
Treasury Management
Acquisition Lending
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of expertise in premium finance services.
- Our partnership with Wintrust provides access to comprehensive financial solutions.
- We deliver customized rates and terms for P&C insurance policies.
- Our industry-leading technology ensures seamless integration and efficiency.
- We maintain a dedicated team of 35 relationship managers nationwide.
Services
Premium Finance
Our premium finance services provide flexible payment solutions for property and casualty insurance policies. We offer customized rates and terms tailored to agency needs, with integration capabilities to streamline workflows. Backed by Wintrust, we ensure reliable financial support for insurance professionals and their clients.
Life Insurance Financing
We specialize in financing solutions for life insurance premiums, enabling clients to maintain coverage while managing cash flow. Our programs combine competitive terms with dedicated support, leveraging our expertise in both insurance and financial services to deliver sustainable solutions for long-term policyholders.
Canadian Solutions
Our services extend to Canadian agencies and insureds with tailored premium financing options. We address unique regulatory requirements while maintaining seamless processes, ensuring compliance and convenience for clients operating in both the U.S. and Canadian markets through our established infrastructure.
Treasury Management
We provide treasury management solutions to optimize financial operations for insurance businesses. These services include payment processing, fund transfers, and account management tools designed to enhance liquidity control and operational efficiency for agencies and brokers.
Acquisition Lending
Our acquisition lending programs support insurance professionals seeking to purchase agencies or expand their practice. We offer structured financing with flexible terms, backed by our industry expertise and commitment to facilitating growth opportunities within the insurance sector.
People
Mark Steenberg
CEO, Property & Casualty Division
With over 30 years in insurance, Mark leads FIRST's growth through technology innovation and operational excellence. He previously held senior roles at Kemper Insurance before joining FIRST in 2000.
Jim Miller
EVP & Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Jim brings 35+ years of financial services experience, specializing in commercial P&C premium finance. He directs sales and marketing strategies while managing agency relationships to drive FIRST's market expansion.
Kim Malizia
EVP & Chief Administration Officer
Kim oversees operational departments with 20+ years at FIRST. Her career spans accounting and treasury management roles at Kemper Insurance prior to joining the company.
Jon Wicks
EVP & Chief Operating Officer
Jon has over 20 years in premium finance, managing credit, loan operations, and integrated services. He progressed through various roles at FIRST since starting in asset management.
Dominique Sawko
EVP & General Counsel
Dominique leads legal affairs with expertise in regulatory compliance and contract negotiations. She joined FIRST in 2011 after practicing law in corporate and transactional matters.
Questions
What types of insurance policies do you finance?
We specialize in property and casualty insurance policies, life insurance premiums, and offer solutions for Canadian agencies and insureds.
How long has First Insurance Funding been in business?
We've provided premium finance services since 1991, with over 30 years of industry experience and innovation.
What makes your services different from competitors?
Our Wintrust partnership enables comprehensive financial solutions, including acquisition lending and treasury management, beyond standard premium financing options.
Do you operate outside the United States?
Yes, we offer financing solutions in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada through our established infrastructure.
How do you support insurance agents and brokers?
We provide dedicated relationship managers, customized rates, and technology integration tools to help agencies streamline workflows and grow their business.
