- Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5) (424B5)

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration No. 333-153121

Registration No. 333-151111 and 333-151111-04

Prospectus Supplement

CAPITOL TRUST XII

2,000,000 shares of

10.50% Trust Preferred Securities

(liquidation amount $10 per security)

fully and unconditionally guaranteed by

Warrants to Purchase up to 2,000,000 Shares of Common Stock of Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

This prospectus relates to the sale of Trust Preferred Securities issued by Capitol Trust XII, a Delaware statutory trust (the “ Trust ” ), from time to time that may be offered for resale by certain affiliates of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. named in this prospectus and the persons to whom such selling securityholders may transfer their Trust Preferred Securities. Each Trust Preferred Security represents an undivided beneficial interest in the Trust. The only assets of the Trust are the 10.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2038 issued by Capitol Bancorp Ltd., which Capitol refers to as the “Debentures.” The Trust Preferred Securities were originally purchased by the selling securityholders from the Trust in an underwritten registered offering. This prospectus will be used by selling securityholders to resell the Trust Preferred Securities held by them.

As used in this prospectus, except as otherwise specified, the terms “Capitol,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Capitol Bancorp Ltd. and its subsidiaries.

Capitol is also offering warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of its common stock in this offering (and the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of these warrants). Investors purchasing the Trust Preferred Securities will be issued a warrant to purchase one share of Capitol’s common stock for each share of the Trust Preferred Securities purchased by such investor. The Trust Preferred Securities and warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately.

The selling securityholders may sell all or a portion of the Trust Preferred Securities beneficially owned by them and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the Trust Preferred Securities are sold through underwriters or broker-dealers or agents, the selling securityholders will be responsible for paying any underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. The Trust Preferred Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, at negotiated prices or any combination of the foregoing. Capitol will not receive any proceeds from these resales. Capitol has agreed to pay all expenses in connection with the registration of the Trust Preferred Securities. Capitol provides more information about how the selling securityholders may sell their Trust Preferred Securities in the section titled “Plan of Distribution” on page S-55.

The Trust Preferred Securities are currently traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the trading symbol “CBC PB.” On February 25, 2009 the last reported sales price for the Trust Preferred Securities was $5.90 per security. Capitol’s common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “CBC.” On February 25, 2009, the closing price of Capitol’s common stock reported by NYSE was $4.69 per share.

Capitol’s subsidiaries will receive proceeds if they sell their Trust Preferred Securities. Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities may offer the Trust Preferred Securities for sale at any time at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at privately negotiated prices.

See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page S-16 of this prospectus supplement to read about factors you should consider before buying the Trust Preferred Securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is February 27, 2009.

* Applications have been filed with bank regulatory agencies to consolidate Charters. See Recent Developments.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT	Page

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS	S-1
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	S-1
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS	S-2
SUMMARY INFORMATION	S-3
THE OFFERING	S-5
CAPITOL BANCORP LTD.	S-12
THE TRUST	S-13
REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS	S-14
ACCOUNTING AND REGULATORY TREATMENT	S-15
RISK FACTORS	S-15
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS	S-27
DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES	S-37
DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE	S-45
RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES, DEBENTURES	S-48
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM	S-49
USE OF PROCEEDS	S-55
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS	S-55
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	S-58
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS	S-59
EXPERTS	S-59
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	S-59
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE	S-60

PROSPECTUS	Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	3
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	4
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE	4
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS	5
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY	7
RISK FACTORS	9
CAPITOL BANCORP LTD.	9
USE OF PROCEEDS	9
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES	10
REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS	10
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK	11
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK WE MAY OFFER	11
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS WE MAY OFFER	13
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS WE MAY OFFER	14
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS WE MAY OFFER	14
LEGAL OWNERSHIP AND BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE	16
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	21
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS	22
EXPERTS	22

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. Capitol has not, and the selling securityholders have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. Neither Capitol nor the selling securityholders are making an offer to sell or seeking an offer to buy the Trust Preferred Securities under this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein are accurate only as of their respective dates, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of a security. Capitol’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 2,000,000 Trust Preferred Securities purchased by the selling securityholders in a registered offering on July 7, 2008 by certain affiliates of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. and warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Capitol Bancorp Ltd.’s common stock.

Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “Capitol,” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar references mean Capitol Bancorp Ltd. and its subsidiaries, and references to the “Trust” mean Capitol Trust XII.

This prospectus constitutes part of the registration statement of Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ” ), utilizing a “shelf” registration or continuous offering process. It omits some of the information contained in the registration statement and reference is made to the registration statement for further information with regard to Capitol and the securities being offered by the selling securityholders. Any statement contained in the prospectus concerning the provisions of any document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is not necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference is made to the copy of the document filed .

This document consists of two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The second part is the prospectus, which describes more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. You should read both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

If the information set forth in this prospectus supplement differs in any way from the information set forth in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information set forth in this prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement may be used only for the purpose for which it has been prepared. No one is authorized to give information other than that contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in the documents referred to in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and which are made availab le to the public. Capitol has not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.

Capitol is not, and the selling securityholders are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Neither this prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus constitutes an offer, or an invitation on Capitol’s behalf or on behalf of the selling securityholders, to subscribe for and purchase, any of the securities and may not be used for or in connection with an offer or solicitation by anyone, in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained or incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Those forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual future results, performance or achievements of Capitol and/or its subsidiaries and other operating units to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. The words "intend," "expect," "project," "estimate," "predict," "anticipate," "should," "will," "may," "believe" and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Important factors which may cause actual results to differ from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the results of Capitol's efforts to implement its business strategy, (ii) changes in interest rates, (iii) legislation or regulatory requirements adversely impacting Capitol's banking business and/or strategy, (iv) adverse changes in business conditions or inflation, (v) general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, which are less favorable than expected and that result in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and/or loan performance and collectability, (vi) competitive pressures among financial institutions, (vii) changes in securities markets, (viii) actions of competitors of Capitol's banks and Capitol's ability to respond to such actions, (ix) the cost of capital, which may depend in part on Capitol's asset quality, prospects and outlook, (x) changes in governmental regulation, tax rates and similar matters, (xi) availability of funds under the U.S. Treasury's Capital Purchase Program, (xii) changes in management and (xiii) other risks detailed in Capitol's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions, many of which are based on assumptions relating to the above-stated forward-looking statements, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results will differ from those estimates because of the inherent subjectivity and inaccuracy of any estimation. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Capitol or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing factors. Investors and other interested parties are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements, which speak as of the date of such statements. Capitol undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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SUMMARY INFORMATION

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement. As a result, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you or that you should consider before investing in the Trust Preferred Securities. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” section and the documents incorporated by reference.

CAPITOL BANCORP LTD.

Capitol is a $5.7 billion national community bank company, with a network of 64 separately chartered banks with operations in 17 states. Capitol is the holder of the largest number of individual bank charters in the country. Capitol mentors new community banks through their stages of development and provides efficient back-office services to its network of community banks. Capitol’s community banks have local decision-making authority and are typically managed by an on-site president under the direction of a local board of directors, composed of business leaders from the bank’s community. Founded in 1988, Capitol has executive offices in Lansing, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona. At December 31, 2008, Capitol had total assets of $5.7 billion, deposits of $4.5 billion and stockholders’ equity of $353.8 million.

Through its subsidiary banks and other affiliates, Capitol’s banks provide their customers with relationship-based banking, trust and other financial services and products. Capitol’s banks provide a full range of customer-focused banking services to individuals, businesses and other customers located in the bank’s community, including commercial lending, equipment leasing, trust services, brokerage and investment advisory services, property and casualty insurance, brokerage services, life insurance and annuity products and portfolio management services.

Capitol’s Strategy

Bank Development. Bank development has been part of Capitol’s growth strategy in the past. Historically, Capitol has started independent banks based on the following key ingredients:

·	A bank president candidate with a significant background in the future bank’s business community, who is capable of attracting customer relationships and other banking professionals;

·	An office address from which to operate a bank, optimally located in the center of commerce within the applicable business community;

·	A dynamic and diverse group of potential board members, drawn from the local business community, to oversee the future bank’s activities and assist in business development; and

·	Availability of capital from community investors seeking to invest up to 49% in the required start-up equity of the future bank.

Each new bank has typically started as a single-location office. The bank is led by a president and a team of banking professionals with significant local experience, overseen by an independent board of directors composed of business leaders drawn from that local community. Each bank has on-site authority to make decisions which directly affect the customer, such as credit approval and the pricing and structure of loan and deposit products. Capitol’s strategy is to foster an environment where its banking professionals focus on meeting and exceeding customers’ needs, as opposed to transaction-oriented financial institutions which only focus on selling financial products to customers and emphasizing market share.

Notably, “market size” is not a significant factor in Capitol’s approach to bank development. Rather, the key is people. Capitol has recognized from its beginning that its banking focus always has been, and always will be, a people business. As a result, Capitol’s banks are often small in market size, which facilitates an emphasis on personalized banking relationships.

Plans for new bank development were terminated in mid-2008, as a means to improve efficiency, reduce expenses and improve financial performance; Capitol plans to merge nine banks into one charter and four banks

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located in Phoenix, Arizona into one charter, subject to regulatory approval. See Recent Developments.

“Incubation” of Young Community Banks. New banks, just like most start-up businesses, are rarely profitable from the outset. Each of Capitol’s new bank subsidiaries have been provided with sufficient capital to absorb early period losses and to support balance-sheet growth. During these early periods of operation, Capitol’s management works closely with the de novo bank’s president and management team in providing guidance and assistance to help achieve the bank’s goals and objectives as it navigates toward future profitability. When a de novo bank achieves certain developmental milestones (such as age, cumulative profitability, return on equity or other measures), Capitol may offer the bank’s community investors (up to 49% of the bank’s start-up capital) an opportunity to exchange their bank investment for shares of Capitol’s common stock, at a multiple of the bank’s then current book value. The associated exchange offer (which Capitol is not contractually obligated to offer) is generally subject to approval by the bank’s shareholders. When the exchange offer is made, the bank is often ‘turning the corner’ on cumulative profitability. If the shareholders elect to enter into the share exchange transaction, the bank’s shareholders can achieve both a return on their original investment in the bank and liquidity in the form of marketable shares of Capitol’s common stock. In 2007, Capitol completed one share-exchange transaction, and two share-exchange transactions were completed in 2006. Currently, a share exchange proposal is pending regarding Bank of Auburn Hills.

Monitoring and Managing Capitol’s Investments in Community Banks. The concept of bank development goes beyond nurturing new banks. At Capitol, it also means nurturing middle-stage and mature bank affiliates to help them maximize their potential. Capitol monitors and manages its investments in community banks through regional presidents, supported by Capitol’s bank financial analysis group. Capitol’s bank financial analysis group assists its bank subsidiaries in the development of detailed budgets, assists with asset/liability management strategies, monitors progress with the banks’ business plans and reviews monthly operating results for each bank. In addition to the monitoring of operating results, Capitol assists its banks in managing capital, including funding supplemental capital when needed to support bank growth.

Capitol’s unique relationship with its banks is multidimensional: as an investor, mentor and service provider. As investor, Capitol closely monitors the financial performance of its bank subsidiaries. Capitol’s mentoring role of providing assistance and guidance when and where necessary to help enhance bank performance is most important for its newest bank subsidiaries, where guidance is needed during their early formative stages. Capitol also provides efficient back-office support services which can be conducted centrally or regionally for all of its bank subsidiaries and which do not involve a direct interface with the bank customer. These services include:

·	Accounting;

·	Capital management;

·	Credit administration;

·	Data processing;

·	Human resources administration;

·	Internal audit; and

·	Legal support.

Diversification Strategy. Capitol continues to expand geographically to minimize a concentration of assets in any particular region. During the past ten years, Capitol has specifically expanded its geographic presence by entering new markets, such as California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and the Southeast regions.

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Recent Developments

TARP Application. In October 2008, Capitol filed an application with its primary federal regulator and the FDIC pursuant to the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program ( “CPP” ). As of February __, 2009, Capitol’s application remains pending and there can be no assurance that Capitol will be approved for CPP funds or, if approved, whether Capitol will accept an investment by the U.S. Treasury.

Consolidation of Nine Michigan Bank Affiliates. In late December 2008, Capitol filed applications with the FDIC and the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation for permission to merge nine of its wholly-owned Michigan bank charters into one bank.

2008 Year-End Results. On January 29, 2009, Capitol announced its year-end 2008 operating results, reporting a net loss of $28.6 million ($1.67 per share) and net income of $1.1 million ($0.06 per diluted share) for the three months ended December 31, 2008.

Common Stock Dividend. On February 6, 2009, Capitol announced a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, payable March 2, 2009, to shareholders of record as of February 16, 2009.

Consolidation of Four Arizona Bank Affiliates. On February 13, 2009, Capitol announced its plans to consolidate four Arizona affiliate banks. Pending regulatory approval, Arrowhead Community Bank, Camelback Community Bank, Mesa Bank and Sunrise Bank of Arizona will consolidate and operate as one charter, Sunrise Bank of Arizona.

THE OFFERING

Securities Offered:	2,000,000 Trust Preferred Securities and warrants.

Warrants:	Warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Capitol’s common stock. Investors purchasing the Trust Preferred Securities will be issued a warrant to purchase one share of Capitol’s common stock for each share of the Trust Preferred Securities purchased. The warrants will be separable from the Trust Preferred Securities and exercisable during the period commencing six months after the date of original issuance and ending five years from the date of such issuance at an exercise price of $10.00 per warrant. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants.

Trust Preferred Securities Outstanding:	3,805,000, as of February, 2009.

Use of Proceeds:	The proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities offered by this prospectus will go directly to the selling shareholders, which may include but is not limited to Capitol’s Bank affiliates and Capitol.

Risk Factors:	Investing in the Trust Preferred Securities involves a high degree of risk. See the Section below under the heading “Risk Factors,” Capitol’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 in Item 1A under “Risk Factors” and as updated in any future filings Capitol makes with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein.

NYSE Symbol for Trust Preferred Securities:	CBC PB.

NYSE Symbol for Common Stock:	CBC.

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The selling securityholders may sell the Trust Preferred Securities subject to this prospectus from time to time and may also decide not to sell all of the Trust Preferred Securites they are allowed to sell under this prospectus. The selling securityholders will act independently in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and amount of each sale. Furthermore, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Trust Preferred Securities in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The selling securityholders may also sell the Trust Preferred Securities short and deliver the Trust Preferred Securities covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The selling securityholders may also loan or pledge the Trust Preferred Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Trust Preferred Securities.

CAPITOL TRUST XII

The Trust is a statutory trust formed under Delaware law pursuant to:

·	an amended and restated trust agreement executed by Capitol, as depositor of the Trust, the Administrative trustees and the Delaware trustee of the Trust; and

·	a certificate of trust filed with the Delaware Secretary of State.

The Trust exists for the exclusive purposes of:

·	issuing the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the Trust;

·	investing the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities in the Debentures; and

·	engaging in only those activities convenient, necessary or incidental to these purposes.

The Trust’s business and affairs is conducted by its trustees. The trustees are Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as the “property trustee,” Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company as the “Delaware trustee,” and three individual trustees, or “administrative trustees,” who are employees or officers of or affiliated with Capitol.

The principal executive office of the Trust is c/o Capitol Bancorp Ltd., Capitol Bancorp Center, 200 Washington Square North, Fourth Floor, Lansing, Michigan 48933 Attention: Administrative Trustees of Capitol Trust XII, and the Trust’s telephone number is (517) 487-6555.

THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES

Each Trust Preferred Security represents an undivided beneficial interest in the Trust.

The Trust sold the Trust Preferred Securities to the public (including affiliates of Capitol) and its common securities to Capitol. The Trust used the proceeds from those sales to purchase $39,226,820 aggregate principal amount of 10.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2038 of Capitol, which Capitol refers to in this prospectus supplement as the “Debentures.” Capitol will pay interest on the Debentures at the same rate and on the same dates as the Trust makes payments on the Trust Preferred Securities. The Trust will use the payments it receives on the Debentures to make the corresponding payments on the Trust Preferred Securities.

Distributions

If you purchase Trust Preferred Securities, you will be entitled to receive periodic distributions on the stated liquidation amount of $10 per Trust Preferred Security (the “liquidation amount” ) on the same payment dates and in the same amounts as Capitol pays interest to the Trust on a principal amount of Debentures equal to the liquidation amount of such Trust Preferred Security. Distributions will accumulate from July 7, 2008. The Trust

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will make distribution payments on the Trust Preferred Securities quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on September 30, 2008. In the event that any date on which distributions are payable is not a business day, payment of that distribution will be made on the next business day (and without any interest or other payment in connection with this delay) except that, if the next business day falls in the next calendar year, payment of the distribution will be made on the immediately preceding business day, in either case with the same force and effect as if made on the original distribution date. If, as described below, Capitol defers payment of interest on the Debentures, distributions by the Trust on the Trust Preferred Securities will also be deferred.

Deferral of Distributions

Capitol has the right, on one or more occasions, so long as no event of default under the Debentures has occurred and is continuing, to defer the payment of interest on the Debentures for one or more consecutive interest periods that do not exceed 20 consecutive quarters, without giving rise to an event of default under the terms of the Debentures or the Trust Preferred Securities. However, no interest deferral may extend beyond the maturity date of the Debentures.

If Capitol exercises its right to defer interest payments on the Debentures, the Trust will also defer paying a corresponding amount of distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities during that period of deferral.

Although neither Capitol nor the Trust will be required to make any interest or distribution payments during a deferral period, interest on the Debentures will continue to accrue during deferral periods and, as a result, distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will continue to accumulate at the interest rate of 10.50% on the Debentures, compounded on each distribution date.

Following the end of a deferral period, Capitol will be required to calculate and pay all interest accrued and unpaid on the Debentures, and then the applicable amounts will be paid with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities. During a deferral period, Capitol will be restricted from taking certain actions. See “—Certain Payment Restrictions Applicable to Capitol” below.

If Capitol defers payments of interest on the Debentures, the Debentures will be treated as being issued with original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes. This means that you must include interest income with respect to the deferred distributions on your Trust Preferred Securities in your gross income for United States federal income tax purposes, even though neither Capitol nor the Trust will make actual payments on the Debentures, or on the Trust Preferred Securities, as the case may be, during the relevant deferral period. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—United States Holders—Interest Income and Original Issue Discount.”

Redemption of Trust Preferred Securities

The Trust will use the proceeds of any repayment or redemption of the Debentures to redeem, on a proportionate basis, an equal amount of Trust Preferred Securities and common securities. See “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities and Related Instruments—Redemption or Exchange.”

For a description of Capitol’s rights to redeem the Debentures, see “Description of the Debentures—Redemption or Exchange.”

Liquidation of the Trust and Distribution of Debentures to Holders

Subject to Capitol having received prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (which Capitol refers to in this prospectus supplement as the Federal Reserve Board), if such approval is then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve Board, Capitol has the right at any time to terminate and liquidate the Trust and, after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, cause the Debentures issued by the Trust to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities in liquidation of the Trust.

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Book-Entry

The Trust Preferred Securities are represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of and deposited with The Depository Trust Company ( “DTC” ) or its nominee. This means that you will not receive a certificate for your Trust Preferred Securities, and Trust Preferred Securities will not be registered in your name, except under certain limited circumstances described below in “Book-Entry System.”

The Trust Preferred Securities were accepted for clearance by DTC. Beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and transfers thereof will be effected only through, the book-entry records maintained by DTC and its direct and indirect participants. Owners of beneficial interests in the Trust Preferred Securities will receive all payments relating to their Trust Preferred Securities in U.S. dollars.

THE DEBENTURES

Interest

The Debentures will bear interest at the annual rate of 10.50% from the original date of issuance. Capitol will pay that interest quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (Capitol refers to these dates as “interest payment dates” ), commencing on September 30, 2008, subject to Capitol’s right to defer interest payments as described above.

In the event any interest payment date is not a business day, the interest payment will be made on the following business day without adjustment, provided that if the next business day is in the next succeeding calendar year, the interest payment will be made on the immediately preceding business day without adjustment.

Subordination

The Debentures are unsecured and subordinated upon Capitol’s liquidation, including all of Capitol’s existing and future senior and subordinated indebtedness, but will rank equally upon liquidation with Capitol’s outstanding trust preferred securities, and with debt that by its terms does not rank senior upon Capitol’s liquidation to the Debentures and with Capitol’s trade creditors, and will be effectively subordinated to all liabilities of Capitol’s subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2008, Capitol’s indebtedness for money borrowed ranking senior to the Debentures upon liquidation, on an unconsolidated basis, totaled approximately $20 million and Capitol’s subsidiaries’ direct borrowings and deposit liabilities that would effectively rank senior to the Debentures totaled approximately $4.9 billion. See “Description of the Debentures—Subordination of the Debentures” for the definition of “senior and subordinated indebtedness.”

Certain Payment Restrictions Applicable to Capitol

If there has occurred an event that would constitute an event of default under the Debentures, if Capitol is in default under its obligations pursuant to the Guarantee (see “—Guarantee by Capitol” below) or if Capitol has given notice of its election to defer payment of interest on the Debentures or any such deferral period is continuing, Capitol may not:

·	declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of Capitol’s capital stock other than:

·	dividends or distributions in Capitol’s common stock or a declaration of a non-cash dividend in connection with implementing a shareholder rights plan, or the issuance or redemption of stock pursuant to a shareholder rights plan,

·	purchases of Capitol’s common stock under officer, director or employee benefit plans, or

·	as a result of reclassifying Capitol’s stock;

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make any payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any of Capitol’s debt securities that rank on a parity in all respects with or junior in interest to the corresponding junior subordinated debentures, or make any payment under a guarantee of any subsidiary’s securities if the guarantee ranks on a parity in all respects with or junior in interest to the corresponding junior subordinated debentures; or

·	redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the outstanding Debentures or any of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Limitation on Additional Junior Indebtedness

The indenture governing the Debentures restricts Capitol, as well as Capitol’s affiliates, from incurring certain additional junior indebtedness, other than:

·	indebtedness that is expressly junior and subordinated to the Debentures; and

·	indebtedness that is pari passu with the Debentures, unless the specified financial ratio is satisfied.

See “Description of the Debentures—Limitation on Additional Junior Indebtedness.”

Maturity and Redemption of Debentures

Unless Capitol elects to accelerate the maturity date as provided below, the principal amount of the Debentures, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is due and payable on September 30, 2038. At any time after September 30, 2013, but before the date which is 90 days before September 30, 2038, Capitol may elect to shorten the maturity date of the Debentures, provided that Capitol has received the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board if then required under the applicable capital guidelines, policies or regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.

Capitol may elect to redeem any or all of the Debentures at any time on or after September 30, 2013, to the extent Capitol owns any Trust Preferred Securities or, subject to having received the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board if then required under the capital guidelines, policies or regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, if certain changes occur relating to the capital treatment or tax treatment of the Debentures or investment company laws, which Capitol sometimes refers to as special events. The redemption price of the Debentures will be equal to their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of redemption. For a description of the special events that would permit redemption of the Debentures, see “Description of the Debentures—Redemption.”

Events of Default

The following events are “events of default” with respect to the Debentures:

·	default in the payment of interest on any Debentures and such default continues for a period of 30 days; provided that a valid deferral of an interest payment will not constitute a default in the payment of interest;

·	default in the payment of principal of the Debentures when due and payable;

·	failure to observe any covenants or agreements with respect to the Debentures for a period of 90 days after Capitol receives notice of such default by the indenture trustee or requisite number of holders of Trust Preferred Securities;

·	the bankruptcy of Capitol; and

·	certain circumstances leading to the dissolution, winding up or termination of the Trust.

Except in the case of the bankruptcy of Capitol (in which case automatic acceleration will occur), if an event of default under the indenture occurs and continues, the indenture trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate

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principal amount of the outstanding Debentures may declare the entire principal and all accrued but unpaid interest of all Debentures to be due and payable immediately. If the indenture trustee or the holders of Debentures do not make such declaration and the Debentures are beneficially owned by the Trust or trustee of the Trust, the property trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities shall have such right. In calculating the 25% threshold, the Trust Preferred Securities held by Capitol’s affiliates will be treated as if they were not outstanding.

GUARANTEE BY CAPITOL

Capitol will fully and unconditionally guarantee payment of amounts due under the Trust Preferred Securities on a subordinated basis, but only to the extent the Trust has funds available for payment of those amounts. Capitol refers to this obligation as the “guarantee.” However, the guarantee does not cover payments if the Trust does not have sufficient funds to make the distribution payments, including, for example, if Capitol has failed to pay to the Trust amounts due under the Debentures.

As issuer of the Debentures, Capitol is also obligated to pay the expenses and other obligations of the Trust, other than its obligations to make payments on the Trust Preferred Securities.

WARRANTS

The warrants offered in this offering will be issued pursuant to a subscription agreement between each of the purchasers and Capitol. You should review a copy of the form of subscription agreement and the form of warrant, each of which has been filed by Capitol as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC in connection with this offering, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants. The following is a brief summary of the material terms of the warrants and is subject in all respects to the provisions contained in the warrants.

Exercisability

Holders may exercise the warrants beginning on the date that is six months after the date of original issuance and at any time up to the date that is five years after such date of issuance. The warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to Capitol a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of Capitol’s common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable warrant, the holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the warrant if the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 9.9% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the warrants. Any holder (together with its affiliates) beneficially owning in excess of 9.9% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the date of issuance would not be subject to the foregoing limitation on exercisability unless such holder (together with its affiliates) thereafter beneficially owns 9.9% (or a lesser percentage) of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding.

Cashless Exercise

If at any time during the warrant exercisability period the fair market value of Capitol’s common stock exceeds the exercise price of the warrants, Capitol may, at its sole discretion, permit the holders to effect a cashless exercise of the warrants (in whole or in part) by surrendering the warrants to Capitol together with delivery of a duly executed exercise notice, by canceling a portion of the warrant in payment of the purchase price payable in respect of the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise.

Exercise Price

The exercise price per share of common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants is $10.00 per share of common stock being purchased. The exercise price is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock.

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Transferability

Subject to applicable laws and the restriction on transfer set forth in the subscription agreements, the warrants may be transferred at the option of the holders upon surrender of the warrants to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

Exchange Listing

Capitol does not plan on making an application to list the warrants on The NYSE, The NASDAQ Global Market, any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system.

Fundamental Transactions

In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the warrants and generally including any capital reorganization, reclassification of Capitol’s capital stock, consolidation or merger with another entity in which Capitol is not the survivor, or the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets to another entity, then Capitol will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the holders of the warrants will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise of the warrants such shares of stock, securities or assets as would have been issuable or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of shares of Capitol’s common stock equal to the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants immediately prior to the fundamental transaction, had the fundamental transaction not taken place, and appropriate provision will be made so that the provisions of the warrants (including, for example, provisions relating to the adjustment of the exercise price) will thereafter be applicable, as nearly equivalent as may be practicable in relation to any share of stock, securities or assets deliverable upon the exercise of the warrants after the fundamental transaction.

Rights as a Shareholder

Except as otherwise provided in the warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of Capitol’s common stock, the holders of the warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common stock, including any voting rights, until they completly the exercise their warrants or a portion thereof.

Waivers and Amendments

Any term of the warrants may be amended or waived only with Capitol’s written consent and the written consent of the holders of warrants representing at least two-thirds of the number of shares of Capitol’s common stock then subject to outstanding warrants, provided that such amendment or waiver applies to all warrants in the same fashion. However, in no event may the exercise price of or the number of shares of Capitol’s common stock subject to any warrant be amended, nor may the right to exercise that warrant be waived, without the written consent of the holder of that warrant.

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THE OFFERING

Securities Offered:	2,000,000 Trust Preferred Securities and warrants.

Warrants:	Warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Capitol’s common stock. Investors purchasing the Trust Preferred Securities will be issued a warrant to purchase one share of Capitol’s common stock for each share of the Trust Preferred Securities purchased. The warrants will be separable from the Trust Preferred Securities and exercisable during the period commencing six months after the date of original issuance and ending five years from the date of such issuance at an exercise price of $10.00 per warrant. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants.

Trust Preferred Securities Outstanding:	3,805,000, as of February - 2009.

Use of Proceeds:	The proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities offered by this prospectus will go directly to the selling shareholders, which may include but is not limited to Capitol’s Bank affiliates and Capitol.

Risk Factors:	Investing in the Trust Preferred Securities involves a high degree of risk. See the Section below under the heading “Risk Factors,” Capitol’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 in Item 1A under “Risk Factors” and as updated in any future filings Capitol makes with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein.

NYSE Symbol for Trust Preferred Securities:	CBC PB.

NYSE Symbol for Common Stock:	CBC.

The selling securityholders may sell the Trust Preferred Securities subject to this prospectus from time to time and may also decide not to sell all of the Trust Preferred Securites they are permitted to sell under this prospectus. The selling securityholders will act independently in making decisions with respect to the timing, manner and size of each sale. Furthermore, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Trust Preferred Securities in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The selling securityholders may also sell the Trust Preferred Securities short and deliver the Trust Preferred Securities covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed shares in connection with such short sales. The selling securityholders may also loan or pledge the Trust Preferred Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Trust Preferred Securities.

CAPITOL BANCORP LTD.

About Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

Capitol is a $5.7 billion national community banking company, with a network of 64 separately chartered banks and bank operations in 17 states. Capitol is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with executive offices located at the Capitol Bancorp Center, 200 Washington Square North, Fourth Floor, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Capitol’s telephone number is (517) 487-6555. Capitol also has executive offices located at 2777 East Camelback Road, Suite 375, Phoenix, Arizona 85016 (telephone number (602) 955-6100).

Capitol is a uniquely structured affiliation of community banks. Each of Capitol’s banks is viewed by its management as being a separate business from the perspective of monitoring performance and allocation of financial resources. Capitol uses a unique strategy of bank ownership and development.

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Capitol’s operating strategy is to provide transactional, processing and administrative support and mentoring to aid in the effective growth and development of its banks. It provides access to support services and management with significant experience in community banking. These administrative and operational support services do not require a direct interface with the bank customer and therefore can be consolidated more efficiently without affecting the bank customer relationship. Subsidiary banks have decision-making authority in structuring and approving loans and in the delivery and pricing of other banking services.

Additional information about Capitol and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this document. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Recent Developments

TARP Application. In October 2008, Capitol filed its application with its primary federal regulator and the FDIC pursuant to the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program ( “CPP” ). As of February 27 , 2009, Capitol’s application remains pending and it there can be no assurance that Capitol will be approved for CPP funds or, if approved, whether Capitol will accept an investment by the U.S. Treasury.

2008 Year End Results. On January 29, 2009, Capitol announced its year-end 2008 operating results, reporting a net loss of $28.6 million ($1.67 per share) and net income of $1.1 million ($0.06 per diluted share) for the three months ended December 31, 2008.

Common Stock Dividend. On February 6, 2009, Capitol announced a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, payable March 2, 2009, to shareholders of record as of February 16, 2009.

Consolidation of Four Arizona Bank Affiliates. On February 13, 2009, Capitol filed applications with the FDIC and the Arizona Department of Banks to consolidate four Arizona affiliate banks. Pending regulatory approval, Arrowhead Community Bank, Camelback Community Bank, Mesa Bank and Sunrise Bank of Arizona will be consolidated and operate as one charter, Sunrise Bank of Arizona.

THE TRUST

The following is a summary of some of the terms of the Trust. This summary, together with the summary of some of the provisions of the related documents described below, contains a description of the material terms of the Trust but is not necessarily complete. Capitol refers you to the documents referred to in the following description, copies of which are available upon request as described above under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Capitol Trust XII, or the “Trust,” is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law pursuant to a trust agreement, signed by Capitol, as sponsor of the Trust, and the Delaware trustee and the administrative trustees and the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. The trust agreement was amended and restated in its entirety by Capitol, the Delaware trustee, the property trustee and the administrative trustees before the issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities. Capitol refers to the trust agreement, as so amended and restated, as the “Trust Agreement.” The Trust Agreement was qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or “Trust Indenture Act.”

The Trust was established solely for the following purposes:

·	issuing the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the Trust;

·	investing the gross proceeds of the Trust Preferred Securities and the common securities in the Debentures; and

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·	engaging in only those activities convenient, necessary or incidental thereto.

Capitol owns all of the Trust’s common securities, either directly or indirectly. The common securities rank equally with the Trust Preferred Securities and the Trust will make payment on its trust securities pro rata, except that upon certain events of default under the Trust Agreement relating to payment defaults on the Debentures, the rights of the holders of the common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

The Trust’s business and affairs is conducted by its trustees, each appointed by Capitol as sponsor of the Trust. The trustees are Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as the “property trustee,” Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company as the “Delaware trustee” and three or more individual trustees, or “administrative trustees,” who are employees or officers affiliated with Capitol. The property trustee acts as sole trustee under the Trust Agreement for purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act and also acts as trustee under the guarantee and the indenture. See “Description of the Guarantee.”

Unless an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing at a time that the Trust owns any Debentures, the holders of the Trust’s common securities are entitled to appoint, remove or replace the property trustee and/or the Delaware trustee. Holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities are entitled to appoint, remove or replace the property trustee and/or the Delaware trustee if an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing.

The right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the administrative trustees is vested exclusively in Capitol, as the sole holder of the Trust’s common securities, and in no event will the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities have such right.

The Trust is a “finance subsidiary” of Capitol within the meaning of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act. As a result, no separate financial statements of the Trust are included in this prospectus supplement, and Capitol does not expect that the Trust will file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”).

The Trust is perpetual, but may be dissolved earlier as provided in the Trust Agreement.

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Capitol is extensively regulated under both federal and state law. Capitol is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “Bank Holding Company Act” ), as amended and Regulation Y thereunder. As such, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board” ) regulates, supervises and examines Capitol. Capitol’s banking subsidiaries have deposit insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through its Deposit Insurance Fund. For a discussion of the material elements of the regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and their subsidiaries and specific information relevant to Capitol, please refer to Capitol’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and any subsequent reports Capitol files with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

This regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the federal deposit insurance funds and not for the protection of security holders. As a result of this regulatory framework, Capitol’s operating results are affected by actions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures the deposits of Capitol’s banking subsidiaries within certain limits, of certain other federal and state regulatory agencies that regulate Capitol and its bank subsidiaries and the SEC.

Capitol’s operating results are also affected by general economic conditions, Capitol’s management policies and legislative action. In addition, there are numerous governmental requirements and regulations that affect Capitol’s business activities. A change in applicable statutes, regulations or regulatory policy may have a material effect on Capitol’s business.

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Neither the Federal Reserve Board nor any other federal or state regulatory agency has approved or disapproved of the purchase of the Trust Preferred Securities by Capitol’s bank subsidiaries or other affiliates in this offering.

Depository institutions, like Capitol’s bank subsidiaries, are also affected by various federal and state laws, including those relating to consumer protection and similar matters. Capitol also has other subsidiaries regulated, supervised and examined by the Federal Reserve Board, as well as other relevant state and federal regulatory agencies and self-regulatory organizations, including, without limitation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) and the NYSE. Capitol’s nonbank subsidiaries may be subject to other laws and regulations of the federal government or the various states in which they do business.

ACCOUNTING AND REGULATORY CAPITAL TREATMENT

The Trust is not consolidated on Capitol’s balance sheet as a result of the accounting changes reflected in Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” as amended and revised. Accordingly, for balance-sheet purposes, Capitol recognizes the aggregate principal amount, net of discount, of the Debentures Capitol issues to the Trust as a liability and the amount Capitol invests in the Trust’s common securities as an asset. The interest paid on the Debentures is recorded as interest expense on Capitol’s statement of operations.

On March 1, 2005, the Federal Reserve adopted amendments to its risk-based capital guidelines. Among other things, the amendments confirm the continuing inclusion of outstanding and prospective issuances of trust-preferred securities in the Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies, but make the qualitative requirements for trust-preferred securities issued on or after April 15, 2005 more restrictive in certain respects and make the quantitative limits applicable to the aggregate amount of trust-preferred securities and other restricted core capital elements that may be included in Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies more restrictive. Capitol believes that the Trust Preferred Securities will qualify as regulatory capital, unless owned by any of Capitol’s consolidated subsidiaries.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in the Trust Preferred Securities and Warrants is subject to the risks described below, which may affect the value of the Trust Preferred Securities, the Warrants and the shares of Capitol’s Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants. In addition, Capitol’s business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in the prospectus, this prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference therein.

You should carefully review the following risk factors and other information, including the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements,” contained in this prospectus supplement, in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus before deciding whether this investment is suited to your particular circumstances. In addition, because each Trust Preferred Security sold in this offering will represent a beneficial interest in the Trust, the only assets of which will be Capitol’s Debentures, you are also making an investment decision with regard to the Debentures, as well as Capitol’s guarantee of the Trust’s obligations. You should carefully review all the information in this prospectus supplement about all of these securities.

Risks Relating to Capitol’s Business

Capitol’s Business May Be Adversely Affected by Conditions in the Financial Markets and Economic Conditions Generally

Since December 2007, the United States has been in a recession. Business activity across a wide range of industries and regions is greatly reduced and local governments and many businesses are in serious difficulty due to the lack of consumer spending and the lack of liquidity in the credit markets. Unemployment has increased significantly.

Since mid-2007, and particularly during the second half of 2008, the financial services industry and the securities markets generally were materially and adversely affected by significant declines in the values of nearly all

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asset classes and by a serious lack of liquidity. This was initially triggered by declines in home prices and the values of subprime mortgages, but spread to all mortgage and real estate asset classes, to leveraged bank loans and to nearly all asset classes, including equity securities. Global markets have been characterized by substantially increased volatility, short-selling and an overall loss of investor confidence, initially in financial institutions, but more recently in companies in a number of other industries and in the broader markets.

Market conditions have also led to the failure or merger of a number of prominent financial institutions. Financial institution failures or near-failures have resulted in further losses as a consequence of defaults on securities issued by them and defaults under contracts entered into with such entities as counterparties. Furthermore, declining asset values, defaults on mortgages and consumer loans, and the lack of market and investor confidence, as well as other factors, have all combined to increase credit default swap spreads, to cause rating agencies to lower credit ratings, and to otherwise increase the cost and decrease the availability of liquidity, despite very significant declines in Federal Reserve borrowing rates and other government actions. Some banks and other lenders have suffered significant losses and have become reluctant to lend, even on a secured basis, due to the increased risk of default and the impact of declining asset values on the value of collateral. The foregoing has significantly weakened the strength and liquidity of some financial institutions worldwide. In 2008, the U.S. government, the Federal Reserve Board and other regulatory agencies have taken numerous steps to increase liquidity and to restore investor confidence, including investing approximately $200 billion in the equity of other banking organizations, but asset values have continued to decline and access to liquidity continues to be very limited.

Capitol’s financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of its banks’ borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, is highly dependent on the business environment in the markets where Capitol operates and in the United States as a whole. The current recession is characterized by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; falling commercial and residential real estate values; inactive or nonexistent markets for the sale of real estate; or a combination of these or other factors.

Overall, during 2008, the business environment has been adverse for many households and businesses in the United States and worldwide. The business environment in Texas and several other markets in which Capitol operates has been less adverse than in the United States generally but continues to deteriorate. It is expected that the business environment in the United States and worldwide will continue to deteriorate for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that these conditions will improve in the near term. Such conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of Capitol’s loans, results of operations and financial condition.

Newly formed banks are likely to incur significant operating losses that could negatively affect the availability of earnings to support future growth.

Many of Capitol’s bank subsidiaries are less than three years old. Those operating losses can be significant and can occur for longer periods than planned depending upon the ability to control operating expenses and generate net interest income, which could affect the availability of earnings retained to support future growth or to fund dividends to Capitol, which could impact its ability to make payments on the Debentures. Recently formed banks are expected to incur operating losses in their early periods of operation because of an inability to generate sufficient net interest income to cover operating costs. Newly formed banks may never become profitable. Continued economic challenges may extend the period of time that it will take a newly formed bank to generate income.

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If Capitol is unable to manage its growth, Capitol’s ability to provide quality services to customers could be impaired and cause Capitol’s customer and employee relations to suffer.

Capitol has rapidly and significantly expanded its operations in recent periods. Capitol’s rapid growth has placed significant demands on its management and other resources. To manage its growth, Capitol will need to attract, hire and retain highly skilled and motivated officers and employees and improve existing systems and/or implement new systems for:

·	transaction processing;

·	operational and financial management; and

·	training, integrating and managing Capitol’s employee base.

Capitol’s banks’ small size may make it difficult to compete with larger institutions because Capitol is not able to compete with large banks in the offering of significantly larger loans.

Capitol endeavors to capitalize its newly formed banks with a moderate dollar amount permitted by regulatory agencies. As a result, the legal lending limits of Capitol’s banks severely constrain the size of loans that those banks can make. In addition, many of the banks’ competitors have significantly larger capitalization and, hence, an ability to make significantly larger loans. The inability to offer larger loans limits the revenues that can be earned from interest amounts charged on larger loan balances.

Capitol’s banks are intended to be small in size. Many operate from single locations. They are small relative to the dynamic markets in which they operate. Each of those markets has a variety of large and small competitors that have resources far beyond those of Capitol’s banks. While it is the intention of Capitol’s banks to operate as niche players within their geographic markets, their continued existence is dependent upon being able to attract and retain loan customers in those markets that are dominated by substantially larger regulated and unregulated financial institutions.

If Capitol cannot recruit additional highly qualified personnel, its banks’ customer service could suffer, causing Capitol’s customer base to decline.

Capitol’s strategy is also dependent upon its continuing ability to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel. Competition for such employees among financial institutions is intense. Availability of personnel with appropriate community banking experience varies. If Capitol does not succeed in attracting new employees or retaining and motivating current and future employees, its business could suffer significantly, increasing the possibility of a loss of value in the Trust Preferred Securities or a deferral of interest payments.

Capitol and its banks operate in an environment highly regulated by state and federal government; changes in federal and state banking laws and regulations could have a negative impact on its business.

As a bank holding company, Capitol is regulated primarily by the Federal Reserve Board. Many of Capitol’s current bank affiliates are regulated primarily by state banking agencies, the FDIC, OCC, in the case of one national bank, and OTS, in the case of Capitol’s federal savings banks.

Federal and the various state laws and regulations govern numerous aspects of the banks’ operations, including:

·	adequate capital and financial condition;

·	permissible types and amounts of extensions of credit and investments;

·	permissible nonbanking activities; and

·	restrictions on dividend payments.

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Federal and state regulatory agencies have extensive discretion and power to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law by banks and bank holding companies. Capitol and its banks also undergo periodic examinations by one or more regulatory agencies. Following such examinations, Capitol may be required, among other things, to change its asset valuations, amounts of required loan loss allowances or to restrict bank operations. Those actions would result from the regulators’ judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

Capitol’s banks’ operations are required to follow a wide variety of state and federal consumer protection and similar statutes and regulations. Federal and state regulatory restrictions limit the manner in which Capitol and its banks may conduct business and obtain financing. Those laws and regulations can and do change significantly from time to time and any such change could adversely affect Capitol.

Capitol’s banks’ allowances for loan losses may prove inadequate to absorb actual loan losses, which may adversely impact net income or increase operating losses.

Capitol believes that its consolidated allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level adequate to absorb inherent losses in the loan portfolios at the balance-sheet date. Management’s estimates are used to determine the allowance and are based on historical loss experience, specific problem loans, value of underlying collateral and other relevant factors. These estimates are subjective and their accuracy depends on the outcome of future events. Actual future losses may differ from current estimates. Depending on changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates that are generally beyond Capitol’s control, actual loan losses could increase significantly. As a result, such losses could exceed current allowance estimates. No assurance can be provided that the allowance will be sufficient to cover actual future loan losses should such losses be realized.

Loan loss experience, which is helpful in estimating the requirements for the allowance for loan losses at any given balance sheet date, has been minimal at some of Capitol’s banks. Because many of Capitol’s banks are young, they do not have seasoned loan portfolios and it is likely that the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans may need to be increased in future periods as the loan portfolios become more mature and loss experience evolves. If it becomes necessary to increase the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans, such increases would be accomplished through higher provisions for loan losses, which may adversely impact net income or increase operating losses and could result in reported net losses on a consolidated basis.

The domestic economy is currently in a severe recession and Capitol’s levels of nonperforming loans have increased significantly. Capitol’s loan losses increased significantly in 2008. It is anticipated that levels of nonperforming loans and related loan losses will continue to increase as economic conditions in various local markets and nationally evolve.

In addition, bank regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their supervisory functions, periodically review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Regulatory agencies may require Capitol or its banks to increase their provision for loan losses or to recognize further loan charge-offs based upon judgments different from those of management. Any increase in the allowance required by regulatory agencies could have a negative impact on Capitol’s operating results.

Capitol’s commercial loan concentration in small businesses and loans collateralized by commercial real estate increases the risk of defaults by borrowers and substantial credit losses could result.

Capitol’s banks make various types of loans, including commercial, consumer, residential mortgage and construction loans. Capitol’s strategy emphasizes lending to small businesses and other commercial enterprises. Capitol typically relies upon commercial real estate as a source of collateral for many of Capitol’s loans. Recently, regulatory agencies have expressed concern with banks with a large concentration in commercial real estate due to the recent downturn in the real estate market in certain areas of the country, leading to increased risk of credit loss and extended periods of sale. Loans to small and medium-sized businesses are generally riskier than single-family mortgage loans. Typically, the success of a small or medium-sized business depends on the management talents and efforts of one or two persons or a small group of persons, and the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the business. In addition, small and medium-sized businesses

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frequently have smaller market shares than their competition, may be more vulnerable to economic downturns, often need substantial additional capital to expand or compete and may experience substantial variations in operating results, any of which may impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan.

Loan origination activities, for both commercial and residential mortgages, involve collateral valuation risks and the risk of the subsequent identification of origination fraud or other losses which could exceed Capitol’s allowance for loan losses.

Capitol’s banks use an enterprise-wide loan policy which provides for conservative loan-to-value guidelines when loans are originated. In today’s difficult real estate economy in many parts of the country, falling property values and significant foreclosure activity of both residential and commercial real estate property are resulting in significant loan losses at many financial institutions, including Capitol. Further, although most residential mortgage loans originated by Capitol’s banks have been sold away to investors, if it is subsequently determined that such loans were originated with any element of alleged fraud, such as exaggerated borrower income or assets, for example, the originating institution may be liable for any losses with such loans and may have to buy back those loans. The potential for additional loan losses from valuation issues or fraud is unknown. Fraud risks are particularly difficult to identify and quantify, especially when the duration of the risk is the same as the term of the loan, often as long as 30 years or more. Occurrences of fraud are often more prevalent during an economic downturn or recession. Potential losses from valuation issues or occurrences of fraud could significantly exceed Capitol’s allowances for loan losses, adversely affecting Capitol’s profitability and ability to make payments on the Trust Preferred Securities.

Actions by the Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board may adversely affect Capitol’s net interest income.

Changes in Market Interest Rates. Capitol’s results of operations are significantly dependent on net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. Therefore, any change in general market interest rates, whether as a result of changes in monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board or otherwise, can have a significant effect on net interest income. Capitol’s assets and liabilities may react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions because there may be mismatches between the repricing or maturity characteristic of assets and liabilities. As a result, changes in interest rates can affect net interest income in either a positive or negative way.

Recently, the Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board decreased interest rates to an unprecedented level to near zero. Future stability of interest rates and Federal Reserve Open Market Committee policy, which impact such rates, are uncertain.

Changes in the Yield Curve. Changes in the difference between short and long-term interest rates, commonly known as the yield curve, may also harm Capitol’s business. For example, short-term deposits may be used to fund longer-term loans. When differences between short-term and long-term interest rates shrink or disappear, the spread between rates paid on deposits and received on loans could narrow significantly, decreasing net interest income.

Capitol’s bank subsidiaries have decentralized management which could have a negative impact on the rate of growth and profitability of Capitol and its bank subsidiaries.

Capitol’s bank subsidiaries have independent boards of directors and management teams. This decentralized structure gives the banks control over the day-to-day management of their institution, including credit decisions, the selection of personnel, the pricing of loans and deposits and marketing decisions. This decentralized structure may impact Capitol’s ability to uniformly implement corporate or enterprise-wide strategy at the bank level. It may slow Capitol’s ability to react to changes in strategic direction due to outside factors such as rate changes and changing economic conditions. This decentralized structure may cause additional management time to be spent on internal issues and could negatively impact the growth and profitability of the banks individually and the holding company.

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Capitol may need to raise additional capital in order to fund growth and to remain “well-capitalized,” reducing funds available for expansion.

Capitol’s ability to raise additional capital to support growth and meet minimum regulatory capital requirements at the holding company and at each of its bank subsidiaries is dependent on its being able to efficiently and cost-effectively access the capital markets. Accordingly, Capitol must be able to issue additional equity securities, trust preferred securities and/or debt when and in the amounts Capitol deems necessary, and there must be ready purchasers of Capitol’s securities willing to invest in Capitol. Furthermore, events or circumstances in the capital markets generally that are beyond Capitol’s control may adversely affect Capitol’s capital costs and ability to raise capital at any given time. Capitol’s inability to raise additional capital on terms satisfactory to Capitol or at all may affect Capitol’s ability to grow and would adversely affect Capitol’s financial condition and results of operations. During the second half of 2008, capital markets became volatile and unstable creating an unfavorable environment for raising capital for financial institutions such as Capitol. Its uncertain when such markets will stabilize and conditions will become more favorable for raising capital.

New accounting or tax pronouncements or interpretations may be issued by the accounting standard-setters, regulatory agencies or other government bodies which could change existing accounting methods. Changes in accounting methods could negatively impact Capitol’s results of operations and financial condition.

Current accounting and tax rules, standards, policies, and interpretations influence the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time. Events that may not have a direct impact on Capitol, such as the failure or bankruptcy of major U.S. companies, have resulted in legislators, regulators, and authoritative bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and various taxing authorities responding by adopting and/or proposing substantive revisions to laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations. New accounting pronouncements and varying interpretations of accounting pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. A change in accounting standards may adversely affect reported financial condition and results of operations.

Capitol’s business continuity plans or data security systems could prove to be inadequate, resulting in a material interruption in, or disruption to, Capitol’s business and a negative impact on its results of operations.

Capitol relies heavily on electronic communications and information technology systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems, whether due to severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, criminal activity or other factors, could result in failures or disruptions in general ledger, deposit, loan, customer relationship management and other systems. While Capitol has disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of its information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of Capitol’s information technology systems could damage the reputation of Capitol and its banks, result in a loss of customer business, subject Capitol and Capitol’s subsidiary banks to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose Capitol to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Capitol’s results of operations.

Capitol could face unanticipated environmental liabilities or costs related to real property owned or acquired through foreclosure. Compliance with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those related to investigation and clean-up of contaminated sites, could have a negative effect on expenses and results of operations.

A significant portion of Capitol’s affiliate banks’ loan portfolios are secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, Capitol’s affiliate banks may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, Capitol’s affiliate banks may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require Capitol’s affiliate banks to incur substantial expenses

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and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit Capitol’s affiliate banks’ ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase Capitol’s affiliate banks’ exposure to environmental liability. Although Capitol’s affiliate banks have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on results of operations.

The loss of personnel may adversely affect Capitol’s operations.

Capitol is a relationship-driven organization. Capitol’s growth and development to date have resulted in large part from the efforts of Capitol’s officers and management of Capitol’s affiliate banks who have primary contact with Capitol’s clients and are extremely important in maintaining personalized relationships with Capitol’s client base, which is a key aspect of Capitol’s business strategy and in increasing Capitol’s market presence. The loss of one or more of these people could have a material adverse effect central to Capitol’s operations if remaining employees are not successful in retaining client relationships.

Capitol has entered into employment contracts with Joseph D. Reid, Capitol’s CEO and Chairman, Cristin K. Reid, Capitol’s Corporate President, and numerous other executive officers and managing directors. Despite these agreements, there can be no assurance that any of these individuals will decide to remain employed by Capitol or that Capitol’s business will be protected by various covenants not to compete or covenants not to solicit Capitol’s clients that are contained in these agreements.

Capitol relies on dividends from its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Capitol is a separate and distinct legal entity from its wholly-owned subsidiaries. It receives dividends from its subsidiaries to help pay interest and principal on its debt obligations, including the Debentures. Capitol does not own, directly or indirectly, all of the equity of all of its subsidiaries. Capitol currently does not rely on dividends from partially-owned subsidiaries. To the extent any partially owned subsidiaries do pay dividends or make distributions, the other holders of equity will participate pro rata with Capitol. Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the banks and certain nonbank subsidiaries may pay to the holding company. In the event the banks are unable to pay sufficient dividends to Capitol, it may not be able to service its debt obligations or pay its other obligations, including obligations on the Debentures. The inability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and its ability to meet its obligations on the Debentures.

Capitol may participate in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, or other programs announced by the U.S. Treasury, which may be dilutive to Capitol’s common stock.

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA” ) enacted by the U.S. Congress in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions was signed into law on October 3, 2008. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Department of Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury” ) announced the Troubled Asset Relief Program’s Capital Purchase Program ( “CPP” ). This program made $250 billion of capital available to U.S. financial institutions from the initial $350 billion authorized by the EESA in the form of preferred stock investments by the U.S. Treasury under the following general terms:

·	the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury would pay 5% dividends for the first five years, and then 9% dividends thereafter;

·	in connection with the purchase of preferred stock, the U.S. Treasury will receive warrants entitling the U.S. Treasury to buy the participating institution’s common stock equivalent in value to 15% of the preferred stock;

·	the preferred stock may not be redeemed for a period of three years, except with proceeds from high-quality private capital;

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·	the consent of the U.S. Treasury will be required to increase common dividends per share or any share repurchases, with limited exceptions, during the first three years, unless the preferred stock has been redeemed or transferred to third parties; and

·	participating companies must adopt the U.S Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the U.S. Treasury holds the equity issued under the TARP.

On October 22, 2008, Capitol submitted an application to sell up to $144 million in preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury. If Capitol’s application is approved and its Board of Directors determines to move forward with participation in the program, it would, as stated above, generally be prohibited from increasing the dividend paid on the shares of its common stock or repurchasing any shares of its common stock, for three years after the preferred stock is sold, unless Capitol obtains the U.S. Treasury’s prior consent. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that Capitol will increase, or even pay, dividends on the shares of common stock you receive if you exercise the warrants.

In addition, participation on the terms set forth above would require Capitol to issue a 10-year warrant permitting the U.S. Treasury to purchase up to 4.5 million in shares of Capitol’s common stock, which would be immediately exercisable. The proceeds from these transactions would be allocated on a relative fair value basis between the preferred stock and the warrant purchased by the U.S. Treasury. The preferred stock and the warrant would both be classified in shareholders’ equity in Capitol’s consolidated balance sheet. The issuance of the preferred stock and the warrant issued by the U. S. Treasury, including preferred-stock dividends, would result in a reduction of basic and diluted earnings per common share. Capitol’s banks have restricted investments in Federal Home Loan Banks which may be subject to future impairment.

There is no assurance Capitol will be approved to participate in the CPP or, if approved, whether it will choose to participate.

Capitol’s Banks have restricted investments in Federal Home Loan Banks which may be subject to future impairment.

As of December 31, 2008, Capitol’s banks had investments in several Federal Home Loan Banks approximating $26.1 million. Such investments are restricted securities which may be redeemed only by the issuer. Future redemption of the securities is subject to the issuers liquidity and capital adequacy which are, in part, dependent upon valuation of the issuer’s significant mortgage-backed securities portfolios.

Risks Relating to this Offering and Ownership of the Trust Preferred Securities

Purchases of the Trust Preferred Securities by bank subsidiaries of Capitol will not count as regulatory capital.

On July 7, 2008, certain affiliates of Capitol, including several of its state-chartered bank subsidiaries, purchased $24.6 million of Trust Preferred Securities for investment purposes. The amount of the Trust Preferred Securities purchased by such bank subsidiaries did not qualify as regulatory capital under the risk-based capital guidelines adopted by the Federal Reserve Board on a consolidated basis for so long as they are held by Capitol’s bank subsidiaries. Capitol believes that any amounts purchased by parties other than such bank subsidiaries, including parties not affiliated with Capitol, should qualify as regulatory capital under the aforementioned risk-based capital guidelines. Capitol believes that purchases of the Trust Preferred Securities by Capitol’s bank subsidiaries are not prohibited under applicable laws and banking regulations.

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Subsequent sales of the Trust Preferred Securities by the selling securityholders may impact the market price of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Capitol is unable to predict the time periods each of the selling securityholders will hold such securities for investment. A selling securityholder may elect to sell such Trust Preferred Securities after the declaration of the effectiveness of this registration statement for liquidity or other asset/liability management purposes, for other business reasons or if required by a regulatory agency. If a selling securityholder sells some or all of the Trust Preferred Securities, other selling securityholders may also elect to sell Trust Preferred Securities, and such sale could have an adverse effect on the trading price and liquidity of the Trust Preferred Securities.

The indenture does not limit the amount of indebtedness for money borrowed Capitol may issue that ranks senior to the Debentures upon Capitol’s liquidation or in right of payment as to principal or interest.

The Debentures will be subordinate and junior upon Capitol’s liquidation to its obligations under all of Capitol’s indebtedness for money borrowed that is not by its terms made pari passu with or junior to the Debentures upon liquidation. At December 31, 2008, Capitol’s indebtedness ranking senior to the Debentures on liquidation, on a consolidated basis, totaled approximately $446.9 million.

In the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of Capitol, its assets would be available to pay obligations under the Debentures and the guarantee only after Capitol made all payments on its senior indebtedness. See “Description of the Debentures—Subordinations of the Debentures.”

Capitol has outstanding debt that will rank equally with the Debentures, and the indenture permits Capitol to incur more, subject to a formula limitation.

Capitol has approximately $179.8 million of outstanding junior subordinated debt securities underlying outstanding trust preferred securities. In addition, the indenture permits Capitol to issue additional junior subordinated indebtedness, subject to a formula limitation. See “Description of the Debentures—Limitation on Additional Junior Indebtedness.” In the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of Capitol, its assets available to pay obligations under the Debentures and the guarantee (after paying all senior indebtedness, as described in the preceding risk factor) would have to be shared pro rata with the holders of Capitol’s other outstanding junior subordinated debt and any additional junior subordinated indebtedness Capitol issues in the future.

The Debentures beneficially owned by the Trust will be effectively subordinated to the obligations of Capitol’s subsidiaries.

Capitol receives a significant portion of its revenue from dividends from its subsidiaries. Because Capitol is a holding company, Capitol’s right to participate in any distribution of the assets of its banking or nonbanking subsidiaries, upon a subsidiary’s dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization or otherwise, and thus your ability to benefit indirectly from such distribution, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of any such subsidiary, except to the extent that Capitol may be a creditor of that subsidiary and Capitol’s claims are recognized. There are legal limitations on the extent to which some of Capitol’s subsidiaries may extend credit, pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to, or engage in transactions with, Capitol or some of Capitol’s other subsidiaries. Capitol’s subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due under Capitol’s contracts or otherwise to make any funds available to Capitol. Accordingly, the payments on Capitol’s Debentures, and therefore the Trust Preferred Securities, effectively will be subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of Capitol’s subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008, Capitol’s subsidiaries’ direct borrowings and deposit liabilities totaled approximately $4.9 billion.

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Capitol’s ability to make distributions on or redeem the Trust Preferred Securities is restricted.

Federal banking authorities will have the right to examine the Trust and its activities because it is Capitol’s subsidiary. Under certain circumstances, including any determination that Capitol’s relationship to the Trust would result in an unsafe and unsound banking practice, these banking authorities have the authority to issue orders, that could restrict the Trust’s ability to make distributions on or to redeem the Trust Preferred Securities.

Capitol guarantees distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities only if the Trust has cash available.

If you hold any of the Trust Preferred Securities, Capitol will guarantee you, on an unsecured and junior subordinated basis, the payment of the following:

·	any accumulated and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the Trust Preferred Securities, to the extent the Trust has funds available for the distributions;

·	the redemption price for any Trust Preferred Securities called for redemption, to the extent the Trust has funds available for the redemptions; and

·	upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the Trust (unless the Debentures are distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities in exchange for their Trust Preferred Securities) the lesser of:

■

the liquidation distribution, to the extent the Trust has funds available therefore; and

■

the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as required by law.

If Capitol does not make a required interest payment on the Debentures, the Trust will not have sufficient funds to make the related payment on the Trust Preferred Securities. The guarantee does not cover payments on the Trust Preferred Securities when the Trust does not have sufficient funds to make them. If Capitol does not pay any amounts on the Debentures when due, holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the guarantee trustee or exercising any power conferred upon the guarantee trustee or proceed directly against Capitol for payment of any amounts due on the Debentures.

Capitol’s obligations under the guarantee are unsecured and are subordinated to and junior in right of payment to all of Capitol’s secured and senior indebtedness, and will rank on parity with any similar guarantees issued by Capitol in the future or that are currently outstanding.

Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities should not rely on the distributions from the Trust Preferred Securities through their maturity date—they may be redeemed at Capitol’s option.

The Trust Preferred Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at Capitol’s option at any time on or after September 30, 2013, at the redemption price set forth herein plus any accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. If the Debentures are redeemed, the Trust must redeem the Trust Preferred Securities and the common securities having an aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures to be redeemed.

If the Trust Preferred Securities were redeemed, the redemption would be a taxable event to you. In addition, you might not be able to reinvest the money you receive upon redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities at the same rate as the rate of return on the Trust Preferred Securities.

Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities should not rely on the distributions from the Trust Preferred Securities through their maturity date—they may be redeemed at any time upon certain triggering events.

If certain changes in tax, investment company or bank regulatory law occur, the Trust Preferred Securities

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could be redeemed by the Trust within 180 days of the event at a redemption price described herein. In such an event, you might not be able to invest the money you receive upon redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities at the same rate of return.

Capitol has the right to defer interest for up to five years without causing an event of default.

Capitol has the right to defer interest on the Debentures for one or more periods of up to 20 consecutive quarterly interest periods, or five years. During any such deferral period, holders of Trust Preferred Securities will receive limited or no current payments on the Trust Preferred Securities and, so long as Capitol is otherwise in compliance with its obligations, such holders will have no remedies against the Trust or Capitol for nonpayment unless Capitol fails to pay all deferred interest (including compounded interest) at the end of the deferral period.

Deferral of interest payments could adversely affect the market price of the Trust Preferred Securities and cause you to recognize income for federal tax purposes without the receipt of any cash distribution.

Capitol currently does not intend to exercise Capitol’s right to defer payments of interest on the Debentures. However, if Capitol exercises that right in the future, the market price of the Trust Preferred Securities is likely to be affected. As a result of the existence of Capitol’s deferral right, the market price of the Trust Preferred Securities, payments on which depend solely on payments being made on the Debentures, may be more volatile than the market prices of other securities that are not subject to optional deferrals. If Capitol does defer interest on the Debentures and you elect to sell Trust Preferred Securities during the period of that deferral, you may not receive the same return on your investment as a holder that continues to hold its Trust Preferred Securities until the payment of interest at the end of the deferral period.

If Capitol does defer interest payments on the Debentures, you will be required to recognize interest income, in the form of original issue discount, for United States federal income tax purposes during the period of the deferral in respect of your proportionate share of the Debentures even if you normally report income when received and even though you may not receive the cash attributable to that income during the deferral period. You will also not receive the cash distribution related to any accrued and unpaid interest from the Trust if you sell the Trust Preferred Securities before the record date for any deferred distributions, even if you held the Trust Preferred Securities on the date that the payments would normally have been paid.

If Capitol exercises its option to defer payment of interest on the Debentures, the Trust Preferred Securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the accrued but unpaid interest relating to the underlying Debentures. In the event of that deferral, a holder who disposes of its Trust Preferred Securities will be required to include in income as ordinary income accrued but unpaid interest on the Debentures to the date of disposition and to add that amount to its adjusted tax basis in its ratable share of the underlying Debentures. To the extent the selling price is less than the holder’s adjusted tax basis, that holder will recognize a capital loss.

See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—United States Holders—Interest Income and Original Issue Discount.”

Claims would be limited upon bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership.

In certain events upon Capitol’s bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership prior to the redemption or repayment of any Debentures, whether voluntary or not, a holder of Debentures will have no claim for or a limited claim for, and thus no right to receive, all or some portion of deferred and unpaid interest (including compounded interest thereon). The reduction in such claims for unpaid interest by holders of the Debentures will, in turn, reduce such claims by holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

You must rely on the property trustee to enforce your rights if there is an event of default under the indenture.

You may not be able to directly enforce your rights against Capitol if an event of default under the indenture occurs. If an event of default under the indenture occurs and is continuing, this event will also be an event of default under the trust agreement. In that case, you must rely on the enforcement by the property trustee of its rights as

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holder of the Debentures against Capitol. The holders of at least 25% in liquidation amount of outstanding Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to declare the principal on the Debentures immediately due and payable, if the property trustee fails to do so. If an event of default occurs under the trust agreement that is attributable to Capitol’s failure to pay interest or principal on the debentures, or if Capitol defaults under the guarantee, you may proceed directly against Capitol. You will not be able to exercise directly any other remedies available to the holders of the debentures unless the property trustee fails to do so.

There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Trust Preferred Securities or the Debentures; therefore, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities may suffer a loss.

Capitol and the Trust cannot give the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities any assurances as to the market prices for the Trust Preferred Securities or the Debentures. Accordingly, the Trust Preferred Securities that an investor may purchase, whether pursuant to the offer made by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or in the secondary market, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the Trust Preferred Securities. As a result of the right to defer payments on the Debentures, the market price of the Trust Preferred Securities may be more volatile than the market prices of other securities that are not subject to such a deferral right.

The secondary market for the Trust Preferred Securities may be illiquid and there will be no market for the Warrants.

Capitol is unable to predict how the Trust Preferred Securities will trade in the secondary market or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid after the offering. There is currently no secondary market for the Trust Preferred Securities. The Trust Preferred Securities are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “CBC PB,” Capitol can give you no assurance as to the liquidity of any market that may develop for the Trust Preferred Securities. You should be aware that an active trading market the Trust Preferred Securities will not necessarily exist after the offering or that you will be able to sell your Trust Preferred Securities at the price you originally paid for them. There will be no market for the Warrants.

Capitol has debt securities outstanding which may prohibit future cash dividends on Capitol’s common stock or otherwise adversely affect regulatory capital compliance.

Capitol also has several series of trust-preferred securities outstanding, with a liquidation amount totaling about $170.8 million, which are treated as capital for regulatory capital purposes as of December 31, 2008. Although these securities are viewed as capital for regulatory purposes, they are debt securities which have numerous covenants and other provisions which, in the event of noncompliance, could have an adverse effect on Capitol. For example, these securities permit Capitol to defer the periodic payment of interest for various periods; however, if such payments are deferred, Capitol is prohibited from paying cash dividends on its common stock during deferral periods and until accumulated deferred interest is paid. Future payment of interest is dependent upon Capitol’s bank subsidiaries’ earnings and dividends, which may be inadequate to service the obligations. Continued classification of these securities as elements of capital for regulatory purposes is subject to future changes in regulatory rules and regulations and the actions of regulatory agencies, all of which is beyond the control or influence of Capitol.

Capitol’s controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented, which could have a material adverse effect on Capitol’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Capitol regularly reviews and updates its internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of controls and procedures, or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures, could have a material adverse effect on Capitol’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

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Capitol’s bylaws, as well as certain banking laws, may have an anti-takeover effect.

Provisions of Capitol’s bylaws, the Michigan Control Share Act, and certain federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire Capitol, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to shareholders. The combination of these provisions effectively inhibits a non-negotiated merger or other business combination which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of Capitol’s common stock.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS

The following description summarizes the material provisions of the Trust Preferred Securities and the amended and restated trust agreement, which is sometimes referred to herein as the trust agreement. This description is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the amended and restated trust agreement. Whenever particular defined terms of the amended and restated trust agreement are referred to in this prospectus supplement, those defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

General

Pursuant to the terms of the trust agreement, the Trust sold the Trust Preferred Securities to the public and common securities to Capitol. The Trust Preferred Securities represent preferred beneficial interests in the Trust. Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive distributions and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation pro-rata with the holders of the common securities unless there is an event of default under the trust agreement resulting from an event of default under the indenture, in which case payments to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have priority. See “Subordination of Common Securities.” Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will also be entitled to other benefits as described in the trust agreement.

The Trust Preferred Securities rank on a parity, and payments on them will be made pro rata, with the common securities of the Trust except as described under “—Subordination of Common Securities.” Legal title to the Debentures are held and administered by the property trustee in trust for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities.

The guarantee agreement executed by Capitol for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities is a guarantee on a subordinated basis with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities but does not guarantee payment of distributions or amounts payable on redemption or liquidation of the Trust Preferred Securities when the Trust does not have funds on hand available to make the payments. See “Description of the Guarantee.”

Distributions

Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will be cumulative, will accumulate from the date of original issuance and will be payable quarterly in arrears on the last calendar day of March, June, September and December of each year. In the event that any date on which distributions are payable is not a business day, payment of that distribution will be made on the next business day (and without any interest or other payment in connection with this delay) except that, if the next business day falls in the next calendar year, payment of the distribution will be made on the immediately preceding business day, in either case with the same force and effect as if made on the original distribution date. Each date on which distributions are payable in accordance with the previous sentence is referred to as a “distribution date.” A “business day” means any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on which federal banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized or required by law, executive order or regulation to remain closed or a day on which the corporate trust office of the property trustee or the indenture trustee, as applicable, is closed for business.

The Trust Preferred Securities represent preferred beneficial interests in the Trust, and the distributions on each Trust Preferred Security will be payable at a rate equal to 10.50% per annum of the liquidation amount.

If an extension period occurs with respect to the Debentures, distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will be correspondingly deferred (but will continue to accumulate additional distributions at a rate of 10.50% per annum). See “Description of the Debentures—Option to Defer Interest Payments.”

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The revenue of the Trust available for distribution to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be limited to payments under the Debentures, which the Trust will acquire with the proceeds from the issuance and sale of its Trust Preferred Securities and common securities. See “Description of the Debentures.” If Capitol does not make interest payments on the Debentures, the property trustee will not have funds available to pay distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities. The payment of distributions (if and to the extent the Trust has funds legally available for the payment of distributions and cash sufficient to make payments) is guaranteed by Capitol on a limited basis as described under the heading “Description of the Guarantee.”

Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will be payable to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities as they appear on the register of the Trust at the close of business on the relevant record date, which, as long as the Trust Preferred Securities remain in global form, will be one business day prior to the distribution date. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the trust agreement, each such payment will be made as described under the heading “Book-Entry System.” In the event any Trust Preferred Securities are not in global form, the relevant record date for such Trust Preferred Securities will be the 15 th day of March, June, September or December for distributions payable on the last calendar day of the respective month.

Redemption or Exchange

Mandatory Redemption

Upon the repayment or redemption, in whole or in part, of the Debentures, whether at maturity or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture, the proceeds from the repayment or redemption will be applied by the property trustee to redeem a like amount of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of those Trust Preferred Securities and common securities plus accumulated but unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. See “Description of the Debentures—Redemption.” If less than all of the Debentures are to be repaid or redeemed on a redemption date, then the proceeds from the repayment or redemption will be allocated to the redemption, pro rata, of the Trust Preferred Securities and the common securities based upon the liquidation amounts of these classes. The amount of premium, if any, paid by Capitol upon the redemption of all or any part of the Debentures to be repaid or redeemed on a redemption date will be allocated to the redemption pro rata of the Trust Preferred Securities and the common securities. The redemption price will be payable on each redemption date only to the extent that the Trust has funds then on hand and available in the payment account for the payment of the redemption price.

Optional Redemption

Capitol will have the right to redeem the Debentures:

·	on or after September 30, 2013, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, or

·	at any time, in whole or in part, upon the occurrence of a capital treatment event, tax event or investment company event (as described below),

in each case in accordance with the indenture and subject to receipt of prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve Board.

Distribution of the Debentures

Subject to Capitol’s having received prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to do so if such approval is then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies of the Federal Reserve Board, Capitol has the right at any time to terminate the Trust and, after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, cause the Debentures in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities issued by the Trust to be distributed to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities in liquidation of the Trust.

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Capital Treatment Event, Tax Event or Investment Company Event Redemption

If a capital treatment event, tax event or investment company event in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities has occurred and is continuing, Capitol has the right to redeem the Debentures in whole or in part and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities in whole or in part within 180 days following the occurrence of the capital treatment event, tax event or investment company event. If a capital treatment event, tax event or investment company event has occurred and is continuing in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities and Capitol does not elect to redeem the Debentures and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the Trust Preferred Securities or to liquidate the Trust and cause the Debentures to be distributed to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities in liquidation of the Trust as described above, those Trust Preferred Securities will remain outstanding and additional sums (as defined below) may be payable on the Debentures. See “Description of the Debentures—Redemption.”

The term “additional sums” means the additional amounts as may be necessary in order that the amount of distributions then due and payable by the Trust on the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities and common securities of the Trust will not be reduced as a result of any additional taxes, duties and other governmental charges to which the Trust has become subject as a result of a tax event.

The term “liquidation amount” means the stated amount per Trust Preferred Security and common security of $10.

After the liquidation date is fixed for any distribution of Debentures for the Trust Preferred Securities:

·	the Trust Preferred Securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding;

·	The Depository Trust Company, commonly referred to as DTC, or its nominee, as the record holder of the Trust Preferred Securities, will receive a registered global certificate or certificates representing the Debentures to be delivered upon the distribution; and

any Trust Preferred Securities certificates not held by DTC or its nominee will be deemed to represent the Debentures having a principal amount equal to the liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest in an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities until the certificates are presented to the administrative trustees or their agent for transfer or reissuance.

Any distribution of Debentures to holders of Trust Preferred Securities will be made to the applicable record holders as they appear on the register for the Trust Preferred Securities on the relevant record date, which will be not more than 45 business days prior to the liquidation date.

There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the Trust Preferred Securities or the Debentures that may be distributed in exchange for Trust Preferred Securities if a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust were to occur. Accordingly, the Trust Preferred Securities that an investor may purchase, or the Debentures that the investor may receive on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the Trust Preferred Securities being offered in connection with this prospectus supplement.

Redemption Procedures

Trust Preferred Securities redeemed on each redemption date will be redeemed at the redemption price with the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous redemption of the Debentures. Redemptions of the Trust Preferred Securities will be made and the redemption price will be payable on each redemption date only to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available for the payment of the redemption price. See also “—Subordination of Common Securities.”

If the property trustee gives a notice of redemption in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the redemption date, to the extent funds are available, the property trustee will, with respect to Trust Preferred Securities held in global form, deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the

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applicable redemption price. If the Trust Preferred Securities are no longer in global form, the property trustee, to the extent funds are available, will irrevocably deposit with the paying agent for the Trust Preferred Securities funds sufficient to pay the applicable redemption price and will give the paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities upon surrender of their Trust Preferred Securities certificates. Notwithstanding the above, distributions payable on or prior to the redemption date for Trust Preferred Securities called for redemption will be payable to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities on the relevant record dates for the related distribution dates. If notice of redemption has been given and funds deposited as required, then upon the date of the deposit, all rights of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities so called for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities to receive the redemption price and any distribution payable in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities on or prior to the redemption date, but without interest on the redemption price, and the Trust Preferred Securities will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any date fixed for redemption of Trust Preferred Securities is not a business day, then payment of the redemption price will be made on the next business day (and without any interest or other payment in connection with this delay) except that, if the next business day falls in the next calendar year, the redemption payment will be made on the immediately preceding business day, in either case with the same force and effect as if made on the original date. In the event that payment of the redemption price in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by Capitol pursuant to the related guarantee as described under “Description of the Guarantee,” distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities will continue to accrue at the then applicable rate from the redemption date originally established by the Trust for the Trust Preferred Securities to the date the redemption price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the redemption price.

Subject to applicable law (including, without limitation, U.S. federal securities law), Capitol or its subsidiaries may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding Trust Preferred Securities by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

Payment of the redemption price on the Trust Preferred Securities and any distribution of Debentures to holders of Trust Preferred Securities will be made to the applicable record holders as they appear on the register for the Trust Preferred Securities on the relevant record date.

If less than all of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities issued by the Trust are to be redeemed on a redemption date, then the aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities to be redeemed will be allocated pro rata to the Trust Preferred Securities and the common securities based upon the relative liquidation amounts of these classes. The particular Trust Preferred Securities to be redeemed will be selected on a pro rata basis not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the property trustee from the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities not previously called for redemption, by a customary method that the property trustee deems fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $10 or an integral multiple of $10) of the liquidation amount of Trust Preferred Securities or a denomination larger than $10. The property trustee will promptly notify the securities registrar in writing of the Trust Preferred Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Trust Preferred Securities selected for partial redemption, the liquidation amount to be redeemed. For all purposes of the trust agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Trust Preferred Securities will relate, in the case of any Trust Preferred Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the aggregate liquidation amount of Trust Preferred Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of Trust Preferred Securities and common securities to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless Capitol defaults in payment of the redemption price on the Debentures, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on Debentures or portions thereof (and distributions will cease to accrue on the Trust Preferred Securities or portions thereof) called for redemption.

Subordination of Common Securities

Payment of distributions on, and the redemption price of, the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities, as applicable, will be made pro rata based on the liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities; provided, however, that if on any distribution date, redemption date or liquidation date a debenture event

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of default has occurred and is continuing as a result of any failure by Capitol to pay any amounts in respect of the Debentures when due, no payment of any distribution on, or redemption price of, or liquidation distribution in respect of, any of the Trust’s common securities, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of the common securities, will be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid distributions on all of the Trust’s outstanding Trust Preferred Securities for all distribution periods terminating on or prior to that date, or in the case of payment of the redemption price the full amount of the redemption price on all of the Trust’s outstanding Trust Preferred Securities then called for redemption, or in the case of payment of the liquidation distribution the full amount of the liquidation distribution on all outstanding Trust Preferred Securities, has been made or provided for, and all funds available to the property trustee must first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all distributions on, or redemption price of, or liquidation distribution in respect of, the Trust Preferred Securities then due and payable. The existence of an event of default does not entitle the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities to accelerate the maturity thereof.

In the case of any event of default under the trust agreement resulting from a debenture event of default, Capitol as holder of the Trust’s common securities will have no right to act with respect to the event of default until the effect of all events of default with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any events of default under the trust agreement with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities have been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated, the property trustee will act solely on behalf of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and not on behalf of Capitol as holder of the Trust’s common securities, and only the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to direct the property trustee to act on their behalf.

Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution

Pursuant to the trust agreement, the Trust will terminate on the first to occur of:

·	the expiration of its term;

·	certain events of bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of the holder of the common securities;

the distribution of a like amount of the Debentures to the holders of its Trust Preferred Securities, if Capitol, as depositor, has given written direction to the administrative trustees and property trustee to terminate the Trust (subject to Capitol receiving prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board if then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies). Such written direction by Capitol is optional and solely within Capitol’s discretion;

·	redemption of all of the Trust Preferred Securities as described under “—Redemption or Exchange;” and

·	the entry of an order for the dissolution of the Trust by a court of competent jurisdiction.

If an early dissolution occurs as described in the second, third and fifth bullet points above, the Trust will be liquidated by the trustees as expeditiously as the administrative trustees determine to be possible by instructing the property trustee to deliver, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities a like amount of the Debentures in exchange for their Trust Preferred Securities and common securities, unless the distribution is determined not to be practical, in which event the holders will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to holders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to, in the case of holders of Trust Preferred Securities, the aggregate of the liquidation amount plus accrued and unpaid distributions to the date of payment (an amount referred to as the “liquidation distribution” ). If the liquidation distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate liquidation distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the Trust on its Trust Preferred Securities will be paid on a pro rata basis. The holder of the Trust’s common securities will be entitled to receive distributions upon any liquidation pro rata with the holders of its Trust Preferred Securities, except that if a debenture event of default has occurred and is continuing as a result of any failure by Capitol to pay any amounts in respect of the Debentures when due, the Trust Preferred Securities will have a priority over the common securities.

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Events of Default; Notice

The following events will be “events of default” with respect to Trust Preferred Securities issued under the trust agreement:

·	any debenture event of default (see “Description of the Debentures—Events of Default”);

·	default for 30 days by the Trust in the payment of any distribution;

·	default by the Trust in the payment of any redemption price of any Trust Preferred Security or common security;

failure by the Trust trustees for 60 days in performing, in any material respect, any other covenant or warranty in the trust agreement after the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities of the Trust give written notice to Capitol and the Trust trustees; or

·	bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the property trustee and the failure by Capitol to appoint a successor property trustee within 60 days.

Within 30 days after the occurrence of any event of default actually known to the property trustee, the property trustee will transmit notice of the event of default to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, the administrative trustees and Capitol, unless the event of default has been cured or waived.

Capitol, as depositor, and the administrative trustees on behalf of the Trust are required to file annually with the property trustee a certificate as to whether or not they are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to them under the trust agreement.

If a debenture event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Trust Preferred Securities will have a preference over the common securities as described above. See “—Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.” The existence of an event of default does not entitle the holders of Trust Preferred Securities to accelerate the maturity of the Trust Preferred Securities; provided that the holders of Trust Preferred Securities are entitled, under certain circumstances, to accelerate the maturity of the Debentures.

Removal of Trust Trustees

Unless a debenture event of default has occurred and is continuing, any Trust trustee may be removed at any time by the holder of the common securities. If a debenture event of default has occurred and is continuing, the property trustee and the Delaware trustee may be removed by the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities. In no event will the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the administrative trustees. Such voting rights are vested exclusively in Capitol as the holder of the common securities. No resignation or removal of a trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in accordance with the provisions of the trust agreement.

Co-Trustees and Separate Property Trustee

Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, at any time or from time to time, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the trust property may at the time be located, the Depositor will have power to appoint one or more persons approved by the property trustee either to act as a co-trustee, jointly with the property trustee, of all or any part of the trust property, or to act as separate trustee of any trust property, in either case with the powers specified in the instrument of appointment, and to vest in the person or persons in this capacity any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the provisions of the trust agreement.

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Merger or Consolidation of Trustees

Any person into which the property trustee or the Delaware trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the property trustee or the Delaware trustee is a party, or any person succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the property trustee or the Delaware trustee, will automatically become the successor of the trustee under the trust agreement, provided the person is otherwise qualified and eligible.

Mergers, Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of the Trust

The Trust may not merge with or into, convert into, consolidate, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any corporation or other person, except as described below. The Trust may, at Capitol’s request, with the consent of the administrative trustees, but without the consent of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, the Delaware trustee or the property trustee, merge with or into, convert into, consolidate, amalgamate, be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to a trust organized under the laws of any state, provided that:

·	the successor entity either:

§	expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities; or

substitutes for the Trust Preferred Securities other securities having substantially the same terms as the Trust Preferred Securities (referred to as the “successor Trust Preferred Securities”) so long as the successor Trust Preferred Securities rank the same as the Trust Preferred Securities in priority with respect to distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise;

·	Capitol expressly appoints a trustee of the successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the property trustee as the holder of the Debentures;

·	the successor Trust Preferred Securities are listed or traded on a national securities exchange or other organization on which the Trust Preferred Securities are then listed;

·	the merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities (including any successor Trust Preferred Securities) in any material respect;

·	the successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of the Trust;

·	prior to the merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, Capitol has received an opinion of independent counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect that:

§	the merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities (including any successor Trust Preferred Securities) in any material respect; and

§	following the merger, conversion, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the Trust nor the successor entity will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and

Capitol or any permitted successor or assignee owns all of the common securities of the successor entity and guarantees the obligations of the successor entity under the successor Trust Preferred Securities at least to the extent provided by the related guarantee, Debentures, trust agreement and expense agreement.

For the purposes of the foregoing, any consolidation, conversion, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other

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disposition involving Capitol, the result of which Capitol is not the surviving entity and the surviving entity is not both the obligor in respect of the Debentures and the guarantee, shall be deemed to constitute a replacement trust, unless the parent company of such surviving entity is a bank holding company or other regulated holding company that provides the same guaranty as Capitol did before such transaction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust may not, except with the consent of holders of 100% in liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities, consolidate, convert, amalgamate, merge with or into, or be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, convert, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it if the consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, merger or replacement would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

There are no provisions that afford holders of any Trust Preferred Securities protection in the event of a sudden and dramatic decline in credit quality resulting from any highly leveraged transaction, takeover, merger, recapitalization or similar restructuring or change in control of Capitol, nor are there any provisions that require the repurchase of any Trust Preferred Securities upon a change in control of Capitol.

Voting Rights; Amendment of Trust Agreement

Except as provided below and under “Description of the Guarantee—Amendments and Assignment” and as otherwise required by law and the trust agreement, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have no voting rights or the right to in any manner otherwise control the administration, operation or management of the Trust.

The trust agreement may be amended from time to time by the property trustee, the administrative trustees and the Depositor without the consent of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities:

to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provisions in the trust agreement that may be inconsistent with any other provision, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the trust agreement, which will not be inconsistent with the other provisions of the trust agreement; or

·	to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the trust agreement as necessary to ensure that the Trust:

§	will be classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust or as other than an association taxable as a corporation at all times that any Trust Preferred Securities or common securities are outstanding; and

§	will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act; or

·	to effect a split or reverse split of the Trust Preferred Securities for the purpose of maintaining their eligibility for listing or quoting on an exchange or quotation system;

provided that:

·	no such amendment may adversely affect in any material respect the rights of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities; and

·	any such amendment will become effective when notice of the amendment is given to the holders of Trust Preferred Securities and common securities.

The trust agreement may be amended by the property trustee, the administrative trustees and the Depositor with:

·	the consent of holders representing at least a majority (based upon liquidation amounts) of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities and common securities; and

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receipt by the Trust trustees of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Trust trustees in accordance with the amendment will not cause the Trust to be taxable as a corporation or affect the Trust’s status as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes or the Trust’s exemption from status as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act,

provided that, without the consent of each holder of Trust Preferred Securities and common securities, the trust agreement may not be amended to:

·	change the amount or timing of any distribution on the Trust Preferred Securities or common securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any distribution required to be made in respect of the Trust Preferred Securities or common securities as of a specified date; or

·	restrict the right of a holder of Trust Preferred Securities or common securities to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such date.

So long as the Debentures are held by the property trustee on behalf of the Trust, the property trustee may not:

·	direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee, or executing any trust or power conferred on the indenture trustee with respect to the Debentures;

·	waive any past default that is waivable under the indenture;

·	exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of all the Debentures will be due and payable; or

·	consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the indenture or the Debentures, where this consent is required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior approval of the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of all outstanding Trust Preferred Securities;

provided, however, that where a consent under the indenture would require the consent of each holder of Debentures affected, no such consent will be given by the property trustee without the prior consent of each holder of the Trust Preferred Securities. The property trustee will not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities except by subsequent vote of the holders of those Trust Preferred Securities. The property trustee will notify each holder of Trust Preferred Securities of any notice of default with respect to the Debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the property trustee must obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that:

·	the Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes on account of the action; and

·	the action will not cause the Trust to be classified as other than a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Any required approval of holders of Trust Preferred Securities may be given at a meeting of holders of Trust Preferred Securities convened for that purpose or pursuant to written consent. The property trustee will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of Trust Preferred Securities are entitled to vote, or of any matter upon which action by written consent of those holders is to be taken, to be given to each holder of record of Trust Preferred Securities in the manner set forth in the trust agreement.

No vote or consent of the holders of Trust Preferred Securities will be required for the Trust to redeem and cancel its Trust Preferred Securities in accordance with the trust agreement.

Notwithstanding that holders of Trust Preferred Securities are entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the Trust Preferred Securities that are owned by Capitol, the Trust trustees or

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any affiliate of Capitol (including Capitol’s bank subsidiaries) or any Trust trustees, will, for purposes of that vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

Global Trust Preferred Securities

The Trust Preferred Securities are represented by fully registered global certificates issued as global Trust Preferred Securities that was deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary with respect to that series instead of paper certificates issued to each individual holder. The depositary arrangements that will apply, including the manner in which principal of and premium, if any, and interest on Trust Preferred Securities and other payments will be payable, are discussed in more detail under the heading “Book-Entry System.”

Payment and Paying Agency

Payments in respect of Trust Preferred Securities will be made to DTC. If any Trust Preferred Securities are not represented by global certificates, payments will be made by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled to them as it appears on the register. The paying agent will initially be the property trustee and any co-paying agent chosen by the property trustee and reasonably acceptable to the administrative trustees and Capitol. The paying agent will be permitted to resign as paying agent upon 30 days’ written notice to the administrative trustees, the property trustee and Capitol. In the event that the property trustee is no longer the paying agent, the administrative trustees will appoint a successor (which will be a bank or trust company acceptable to the property trustee and Capitol) to act as paying agent.

Registrar and Transfer Agent

The property trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., will act as registrar and transfer agent for the Trust Preferred Securities.

Registration of transfers of Trust Preferred Securities will be effected without charge by or on behalf of the Trust, but upon payment of any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or exchange. The Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of Trust Preferred Securities after the Trust Preferred Securities have been called for redemption.

Information Concerning the Property Trustee

The property trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, undertakes to perform only those duties specifically set forth in the trust agreement and, after an event of default, must also exercise any rights and powers imposed on it under applicable law. The property trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the trust agreement at the request of any holder of Trust Preferred Securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred as a result. If no event of default has occurred and is continuing and the property trustee is required to decide between alternative causes of action, construe ambiguous provisions in the trust agreement or is unsure of the application of any provision of the trust agreement, and the matter is not one on which holders of Trust Preferred Securities are entitled under the trust agreement to vote, then the property trustee will take such action as is directed by Capitol and if not so directed, will take such action as it deems advisable and in the best interests of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities and will have no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct.

Miscellaneous

The administrative trustees and the property trustee are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of and to operate the Trust in such a way that the Trust will not be (1) deemed to be an “investment company” required to be registered under the Investment Company Act or (2) classified as an association taxable as a corporation or as other than a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes and so that the Debentures will be treated as indebtedness of Capitol for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, Capitol, the administrative trustees and the property trustee are authorized to take any action not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust of the Trust or the trust agreement, that Capitol and the administrative trustees determine in their discretion to be necessary or

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desirable for such purposes as long as such action does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Holders of the Trust Preferred Securities have no preemptive or similar rights.

The Trust may not borrow money or issue debt or mortgage or pledge any of its assets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES

The following description summarizes the material provisions of the indenture and the 10.50% Junior Subordinated Debentures (the “Debentures” ) to be issued under the indenture. This description is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act. The indenture was qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and has been filed as an exhibit to Capitol’s registration statement to which this prospectus supplement relates. Whenever particular defined terms of the indenture are referred to in this prospectus supplement, those defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

General

The Debentures were issued under the indenture, entered into between Capitol and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as indenture trustee. The Debentures are unsecured and subordinate and junior in right of payment to the extent and in the manner set forth in the indenture to all of Capitol’s senior and subordinated indebtedness, including any senior debt securities and any subordinated debt securities. Because Capitol is a holding company and a legal entity separate and distinct from Capitol’s subsidiaries, Capitol’s right to participate in any distribution of assets of a subsidiary upon its liquidation, reorganization or otherwise, and the holders of the Debentures’ ability to benefit indirectly from that distribution, would be subject to prior creditor’s claims, except to the extent Capitol may ourselves be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, the Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of Capitol’s subsidiaries, and holders of Debentures should look only to Capitol’s assets for payments on the Debentures. The indenture does not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of Capitol, including senior debt, whether under any existing indenture or any other indenture that Capitol may enter into in the future or otherwise, except that it does limit Capitol’s right to incur additional junior indebtedness that is equal in right of payment to the Debentures. See “—Limitation on Additional Junior Indebtedness” and “—Subordination of the Debentures.”

The Debentures are limited in aggregate principal amount to $39,226,820. This amount represents the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation amounts of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities. The Debentures bear interest at the rate of 10.50% per annum. The interest will be payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, to the person in whose name such Debenture is registered at the close of business on the record date for such interest installment, which will be the 15 th day of the last month of each calendar quarter.

The amount of interest payable for any period ending on or prior to March 31, 2038 will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The amount of interest payable for any period commencing on or after March 31, 2038 will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed during the relevant period. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Debentures is not a business day, then payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay) except that, if such business day is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding business day (and without any reduction of interest or any other payment in respect of any such acceleration), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was originally payable.

The Debentures will mature on September 30, 2038, the stated maturity date. Capitol may at any time before the day which is 90 days before the stated maturity date and after September 30, 2013, shorten the maturity date only once, provided that Capitol receives prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, if then required under applicable capital guidelines, policies or regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.

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Capitol will give notice to the indenture trustee and the holders of the Debentures at least 35 days and no more than 180 days prior to the effectiveness of any change in the stated maturity date; provided, however, in accordance with the indenture, Capitol retains the right to redeem all or a portion of the Debentures at such time or times on or after September 30, 2013, or at any time upon the occurrence of a “capital treatment event,” a “tax event” or an “investment company event.” See “—Redemption” for a description of what constitutes a “capital treatment event,” a “tax event” or an “investment company event.”

Principal and interest, if any, on the Debentures will be payable, and the Debentures will be transferable, at the office of the indenture trustee, which will be the initial paying agent, except that interest may be paid at Capitol’s option by check mailed to the address of the holder entitled to it as it appears on the security register.

The indenture does not contain any provisions that would provide protection to holders of the Debentures against any highly leveraged or other transaction involving Capitol that may adversely affect holders of the Debentures.

The indenture allows Capitol to merge or consolidate with another company, or to sell all or substantially all of Capitol’s assets to another company. If these events occur, the other company will be required to assume Capitol’s responsibilities relating to the Debentures, and Capitol will be released from all liabilities and obligations. See “—Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions” below for a more detailed discussion. The indenture provides that Capitol and the indenture trustee may change certain of Capitol’s obligations or certain rights of holders of the Debentures. However, to change the amount or timing of principal, interest or other payments under the Debentures, every holder in the series must consent. See “—Modification of the Indenture” below for a more detailed discussion.

Denominations, Registration and Transfer

The Debentures are issued only in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $10 and any integral multiple thereof. Subject to restrictions relating to Debentures represented by global securities, the Debentures will be exchangeable for other debentures in denominations of integral multiples of $10, of a like aggregate principal amount, of the same original issue date and stated maturity and bearing the same interest rate.

Subject to restrictions relating to Debentures represented by global securities, the Debentures may be presented for exchange as provided above, and may be presented for registration of transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of transfer, duly executed) at the office of the appropriate securities registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by Capitol for such purpose without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the indenture. The registrar for the purpose of registering and transferring Debentures shall initially be the indenture trustee.

In the event of any redemption, neither Capitol nor the indenture trustee will be required to:

·	issue, register the transfer of or exchange the Debentures during the period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of selection for redemption of the Debentures and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption; or

·	transfer or exchange any of the Debentures so selected for redemption, except, in the case of any Debentures being redeemed in part, any portion thereof not being redeemed.

Option to Defer Interest Payments

So long as no debenture event of default (as defined below) has occurred and is continuing, Capitol will have the right at any time and from time to time during the term of the Debentures to defer payment of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarters, referred to as an “extension period.” During the extension period, no interest will be due and payable, and no extension period may extend beyond the maturity date of the Debentures or end on a date other than an interest payment date. To the extent permitted by applicable law, interest, the payment of which has been deferred because of the extension period, will bear interest at a rate of 10.50% compounded quarterly for each quarter of the extension period. At the end of the extension period, Capitol must calculate and pay all interest

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accrued and unpaid on the Debentures, including any additional interest and compounded interest. Upon the termination of any extension period and upon the payment of all interest then due, Capitol may commence a new extension period, subject to the foregoing requirements. No interest will be due and payable during an extension period, except at the end thereof.

As a consequence of any such deferral, distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities would be deferred (but would continue to accumulate additional distributions at a rate of 10.50% per annum) by the Trust during the extension period. During any applicable extension period, Capitol may not:

·	declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of Capitol’s capital stock other than:

§	dividends or distributions in Capitol’s common stock or a declaration of a noncash dividend in connection with implementing a shareholder rights plan, or the issuance or redemption of stock pursuant to a shareholder rights plan,

§	purchases of Capitol’s common stock under officer, director or employee benefit plans, or

§	as a result of reclassifying Capitol’s stock;

make any payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any of Capitol’s debt securities that rank on a parity in all respects with or junior in interest to the Debentures, or make any payment under a guarantee of any subsidiary’s securities if the guarantee ranks on a parity in all respects with or junior in interest to the Debentures; or

·	acquire any of the Trust Preferred Securities or redeem or acquire less than all of the Debentures.

The above prohibitions will also apply if the Debentures are held by the Trust and:

·	an event of default under the indenture with respect to the Debentures occurs, or

·	Capitol is in default with respect to its payment of any obligations under the guarantee related to the Trust Preferred Securities.

Redemption

The Debentures will not be subject to any sinking fund.

Capitol may, at its option and subject to receipt of prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board if such approval is then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies, redeem the Debentures in whole or in part, from time to time, on or after September 30, 2013. If the Debentures are only partially redeemed, the Debentures will be redeemed pro rata or by lot or in such other manner as the indenture trustee deems appropriate and fair in its discretion. Unless otherwise indicated in the form of security, Debentures in denominations larger than the liquidation amount may be redeemed in part but only in integral multiples of the liquidation amount. The redemption price for any Debenture will equal any accrued and unpaid interest (including any additional interest) to the redemption date, plus 100% of the principal amount.

In addition, Capitol has the right to redeem Debentures at any time and from time to time in a principal amount equal to the liquidation amount of Trust Preferred Securities purchased and beneficially owned by Capitol, plus an additional principal amount of Debentures equal to the liquidation amount of that number of common securities that bears the same proportion to the total number of common securities then outstanding as the number of Trust Preferred Securities to be redeemed bears to the total number of Trust Preferred Securities then outstanding.

If a partial redemption of the Debentures would result in the delisting of the Trust Preferred Securities from the New York Stock Exchange or any other national securities exchange or other organization on which the Trust Preferred Securities are then listed or quoted, Capitol will not be permitted to effect such partial redemption and may

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only redeem the Debentures in whole.

If a tax event (as defined below), a capital treatment event (as defined below) or an investment company event (as defined below) has occurred and is continuing, Capitol may, at its option and subject to receipt of prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board if such approval is then required under applicable capital guidelines or policies, redeem the Debentures in whole or in part at any time within 180 days following the occurrence of the tax event, capital treatment event or investment company event, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption.

A “capital treatment event” means, in respect of the Trust, the receipt by Capitol and the Trust of an opinion of counsel, experienced in such matters, to the effect that as a result of:

any amendment to or change, including any announced prospective change, in the laws, or any rules or regulations under the laws, of the United States or of any political subdivision of or in the United States, if the amendment or change is effective on or after the date the Trust Preferred Securities of the Trust are issued; or

·	any official or administrative pronouncement or action or any judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, if the pronouncement, action or decision is announced on or after the date the Trust Preferred Securities of the Trust are issued;

there is more than an insubstantial risk that Capitol will not be entitled to treat the liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities as “Tier 1 Capital” for purposes of the applicable Federal Reserve risk-based capital adequacy guidelines as then in effect.

A “tax event” means the receipt by Capitol and the Trust of an opinion of counsel, experienced in such matters, to the effect that, as a result of any amendment to or change, including any announced prospective change, in the laws or any regulations under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision or taxing authority of or in the United States effective or announced on or after the date the Debentures are issued, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or any judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations effective or announced on or after the date the Debentures are issued, there is more than an insubstantial risk that any of the following will occur:

·	the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the delivery of the opinion of counsel, subject to U.S. federal income tax on income received or accrued on the Debentures;

·	interest payable by Capitol on the Debentures is not, or within 90 days of the delivery of the opinion of counsel will not be, deductible by Capitol, in whole or in part, for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

·	the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the delivery of the opinion of counsel, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

An “investment company event” means the receipt by Capitol and the Trust of an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority and, the Trust is or will be considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which change or prospective change becomes effective or would become effective, as the case may be, on or after the date of the issuance of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of the Debentures to be redeemed at its registered address. Unless Capitol defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the Debentures or portions thereof called for redemption.

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Modification of the Indenture

From time to time Capitol and the indenture trustee may, without the consent of the holders of the Debentures, amend, waive or supplement the provisions of the indenture for specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies (provided that any such action does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the Debentures or, in the case of the Debentures, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities so long as they remain outstanding) and qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The indenture contains provisions permitting Capitol and the indenture trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Debentures affected, to modify the indenture in a manner adversely affecting the rights of the holders of the Debentures in any material respect; provided, that no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debenture so affected:

·	extend the fixed maturity of the Debentures, reduce their principal amount or reduce the amount or extend the time for payment of interest; or

·	reduce the above-stated percentage of outstanding Debentures necessary to modify or amend the indenture.

Where an amendment or supplement requires the consent of a majority of the outstanding Debentures, it will not be effective until it is consented to by a majority in liquidation preference of the Trust Preferred Securities. Where an amendment or supplement requires the consent of each holder of the Debentures, it will not be effective until consented to by each holder of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Events of Default

The following events will be “debenture events of default” with respect to the Debentures:

·	the consent of holders representing at least a majority (based upon liquidation amounts) of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities and common securities;

·	default for 30 days in interest payment upon any of the Debentures, including any additional interest (subject to the deferral of any due date in the case of an extension period);

·	default in any principal payment on the Debentures at the stated maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise;

·	failure by Capitol for 90 days in performing any other covenant or agreement in the indenture after:

§	Capitol is given written notice by the indenture trustee; or

§	the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debentures give written notice to Capitol and the indenture trustee;

§	Capitol’s bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or

the Trust dissolves, winds up its business or otherwise terminates its existence, except in connection with the distribution of Debentures to holders of Trust Preferred Securities or common securities in liquidation of their interests, the redemption of all of the Trust’s outstanding Trust Preferred Securities and common securities or certain permitted mergers, consolidations or amalgamations.

The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Debentures have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the indenture trustee. The principal will become due and payable immediately upon a debenture event of default resulting from Capitol’s bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization. The indenture trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Debentures may declare the principal due and payable immediately upon any

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other debenture event of default. Should the indenture trustee or the holders of such Debentures fail to make this declaration, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to make this declaration. The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Debentures may annul the declaration and waive the default, provided all defaults have been cured and all payment obligations have been made current. Should the holders of such Debentures fail to annul the declaration and waive the default, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to do so. In the event of Capitol’s bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the Debentures holders’ claims would fall under the broad equity power of a federal bankruptcy court, and to that court’s determination of the nature of those holders’ rights.

The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Debentures affected may, on behalf of the holders of all the Debentures, waive any default, except a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, or interest (including any additional interest) (unless the default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest (including any additional interest) and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the indenture trustee) or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debenture. Should the holders of such Debentures fail to waive the default, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to do so. Capitol is required to file annually with the indenture trustee a certificate as to whether or not Capitol is in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to Capitol under the indenture.

In case a debenture event of default has occurred and is continuing as to the Debentures, if neither the indenture trustee nor the holders of the Debentures accelerate the Debentures, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will have the right to declare the principal of and the interest on the Debentures, and any other amounts payable under the indenture, to be immediately due and payable and to enforce their other rights as creditors with respect to the Debentures.

Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of Trust Preferred Securities

If a debenture event of default has occurred and is continuing and the event is attributable to Capitol’s failure to pay interest or principal on the Debentures on the date the interest or principal is due and payable, a holder of the Trust Preferred Securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against Capitol for enforcement of payment to that holder of the principal of or interest (including any additional interest) on the Debentures having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities of that holder (a “direct action” ). Capitol may not amend the indenture to remove this right to bring a direct action without the prior written consent of the holders of all of the Trust Preferred Securities outstanding. If the right to bring a direct action is removed, the Trust may become subject to reporting obligations under the Exchange Act. Capitol will have the right under the indenture to set-off any payment made to the holder of the Trust Preferred Securities by Capitol in connection with a direct action.

The holders of Trust Preferred Securities will not be able to exercise directly any remedies other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph available to the holders of the Debentures unless there has occurred an event of default under the trust agreement. See “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities and Related Instruments—Events of Default; Notice.”

Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions

The indenture allows Capitol to consolidate or merge with or into another corporation or to sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of its property as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety, to another corporation. In the indenture, however, Capitol covenants and agrees that:

upon any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any and interest on all of the Debentures, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of Capitol’s covenants under the indenture, will be expressly assumed by the entity formed by the consolidation or into which Capitol is merged, or by the entity that

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acquires Capitol’s property, and, if applicable, the ultimate parent entity of the successor entity will expressly assume Capitol’s obligations under the related guarantee;

·	the successor will be organized under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia; and

·	immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no debenture event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become a debenture event of default, will have occurred and be continuing.

The general provisions of the indenture do not afford holders of the Debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving Capitol that may adversely affect holders of the Debentures.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The indenture provides that when, among other things, all Debentures not previously delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation:

·	have become due and payable;

·	will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year; or

·	are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the indenture trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the indenture trustee;

and Capitol deposits or causes to be deposited with the indenture trustee funds, in trust, for the purpose and in an amount in the currency or currencies in which the Debentures are payable sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Debentures not previously delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation, for the principal, premium, if any, and interest (including any additional interest) to the date of the deposit or to the stated maturity, as the case may be, then the indenture will cease to be of further effect (except as to Capitol’s obligations to pay all other sums due under the indenture and to provide the officers’ certificates and opinions of counsel described therein), and Capitol will be deemed to have satisfied and discharged the indenture.

Subordination of the Debentures

The Debentures will be subordinate in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the indenture, to all of Capitol’s senior and subordinated indebtedness. As used in this prospectus supplement with respect to the Debentures, the term “senior and subordinated indebtedness” means:

senior debt, which means all debt (as defined in the indenture) incurred before or after the date of the indenture unless the instrument evidencing the debts provides that it is not superior in right of payment to the Debentures or to other debt which ranks equally with, or is subordinate to, the Debentures, except that senior debt does not include:

§	non-recourse debt;

§	debt Capitol owes to its subsidiaries;

§	debt Capitol owes to any employee;

§	debt which by its terms is subordinated to trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business; or

§	subordinated debt (as defined below);

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·	subordinated debt, which means debt incurred before or after the date of the indenture which is by its terms expressly provided to be junior and subordinate to Capitol’s senior debt (other than the Debentures), except that subordinated debt does not include:

§	non-recourse debt;

§	debt Capitol owes to its subsidiaries;

§	debt Capitol owes to any employee;

§	debt which by its terms is subordinated to trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business;

§	senior debt (as defined above); and

debt under debt securities (and guarantees in respect of these debt securities) initially issued to any trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with Capitol that is, directly or indirectly, Capitol’s financing vehicle in connection with the issuance by that entity of trust preferred securities or other securities which are intended to qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment; and

additional senior obligations, which means all of Capitol’s indebtedness incurred before or after the date of the indenture for claims in respect of derivative products such as interest and foreign exchange rate contracts, commodity contracts and similar arrangements, except that additional senior obligations do not include:

§	claims in respect of senior debt or subordinated debt; or

§	obligations which, by their terms, are expressly stated to be not superior in right of payment to the Debentures or to rank pari passu in right of payment with the Debentures.

If Capitol defaults in the payment of any principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, or any other amount payable on any senior or subordinated indebtedness when it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or at a date fixed for redemption or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise, then Capitol may not make any payment on the Debentures. With some limitations, if the indenture trustee receives a prohibited payment, it must pay it over to the holders of senior or subordinated indebtedness.

In any distribution to creditors upon Capitol’s dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all senior or subordinated indebtedness must first be paid in full before Capitol makes any payment of the principal (and premium, if any) or interest on the Debentures. Upon any such dissolution or winding-up or liquidation or reorganization, any payment by Capitol, or distribution of Capitol’s assets to which the holders of Debentures or the indenture trustee would be entitled to receive must instead be paid by Capitol or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other person making the payment or distribution, or by the holders of the Debentures or the indenture trustee if received by them, directly to the holders of Capitol’s senior or subordinated indebtedness to the extent necessary to pay the senior or subordinated indebtedness in full before any payment or distribution is made to the holders of the Debentures or the indenture trustee.

The indenture places no limitation on the amount of additional senior or subordinated indebtedness that may be incurred by Capitol. Capitol expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness constituting senior or subordinated indebtedness.

Limitation on Additional Junior Indebtedness

Under the indenture, Capitol agreed not to issue or incur, directly or indirectly, any additional junior indebtedness that is equal in right of payment to the Debentures unless: the pro forma sum of all outstanding debt issued by Capitol or any of Capitol’s subsidiaries in connection with any trust preferred securities issued by any of

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Capitol’s financing subsidiaries, including the Debentures and the maximum liquidation amount of the additional trust preferred or similar securities that Capitol or its financing subsidiaries are then issuing, plus Capitol’s total long-term debt, excluding any long-term debt which, by its terms, is expressly stated to be junior and subordinate to the Debentures, is less than 60% of the sum of Capitol’s equity, any perpetual preferred stock and minority interest, calculated in accordance with applicable capital adequacy guidelines, plus any long-term debt which, by its terms, is expressly stated to be junior and subordinate to the Debentures, in each case on a consolidated basis at the time of issuance.

Trust Expenses

Pursuant to the guarantee and the expense agreement, entered into between Capitol and the Trust, Capitol, as borrower, agreed to pay all debts and other obligations (other than with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities) and all costs and expenses of the Trust (including costs and expenses relating to the organization of the Trust, the fees and expenses of the trustees of the Trust and the cost and expenses relating to the operation of the Trust) and to pay any and all taxes and all costs and expenses with respect thereto (other than United States withholding taxes) to which the Trust might become subject.

Governing Law

The indenture and the Debentures is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Information Concerning the Indenture Trustee

The indenture trustee has, and be subject to, all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act. Subject to these provisions, the indenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the indenture at the request of any holder of Debentures, unless offered reasonable indemnity by that holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The indenture trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of its duties if the indenture trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.

DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE

The following description summarizes the material provisions of the guarantee. This description is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the guarantee, including the definitions therein, and the Trust Indenture Act. The form of the guarantee has been filed as an exhibit to Capitol’s registration statement to which this prospectus supplement relates. Whenever particular defined terms of the guarantee are referred to in this prospectus supplement, those defined terms are incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference.

General

The guarantee was executed and delivered by Capitol at the same time the Trust issued its Trust Preferred Securities. The guarantee is for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Trust Preferred Securities. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. acts as trustee (referred to below as the “guarantee trustee” ) under the guarantee for the purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act and the guarantee is qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. The guarantee trustee holds the guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Capitol irrevocably and unconditionally agreed to pay in full on a subordinated basis, to the extent described below, the guarantee payments (as defined below) to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Trust may have or assert other than the defense of payment. The following payments or distributions with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities, to the extent not paid by or on behalf of the Issuer Trust (referred to as the “guarantee payments” ), will be subject to the guarantee:

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·	any accumulated and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the Trust Preferred Securities, to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available for the distributions;

·	the redemption price with respect to Trust Preferred Securities called for redemption, to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available for the redemptions; or

·	upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Trust (unless the Debentures are distributed to holders of such Trust Preferred Securities in exchange for their Trust Preferred Securities), the lesser of:

§	the liquidation distribution to the extent the Trust has funds available therefor; and

§	the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of Trust Preferred Securities after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as required by applicable law.

Capitol’s obligation to make a guarantee payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by Capitol to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities or by causing the Trust to pay these amounts to the holders.

The guarantee is an irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis of the Trust’s obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities, but will apply only to the extent the Trust has funds sufficient to make such payments, and is not a guarantee of collection. See “—Status of the Guarantee.”

If Capitol does not make interest payments on the Debentures held by the Trust, the Trust will not be able to pay distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities and will not have funds legally available for the distributions. The guarantee constitutes an unsecured obligation of Capitol and will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of Capitol’s senior or subordinated indebtedness. See “—Status of the Guarantee.” Because Capitol is a holding company, Capitol’s right to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization or otherwise, is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent Capitol may ourselves be recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary. Accordingly, Capitol’s obligations under the guarantee will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of Capitol’s subsidiaries, and claimants should look only to Capitol’s assets for payments. The guarantee does not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of Capitol’s, including senior or subordinated indebtedness, whether under any other existing indenture or any other indenture that Capitol may enter into in the future or otherwise.

Capitol has, through the guarantee, the trust agreement, the Debentures and indenture, taken together, fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed all of the Trust’s obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities. No single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes a guarantee. It is only the combined operation of these documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of the Trust’s obligations under its Trust Preferred Securities. See “Relationship Among the Trust Preferred Securities, Debentures and Guarantee.” In addition, pursuant to the expense agreement entered into between Capitol and the Trust, Capitol agreed to pay all debts and other obligations (other than with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities) and all costs and expenses of the Trust.

Status of the Guarantee

The guarantee constitutes an unsecured obligation of Capitol and ranks subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of Capitol’s senior or subordinated indebtedness in the same manner as the Debentures.

The guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment and not of collection (i.e., the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against Capitol to enforce its rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity). The guarantee is held for the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. The guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the guarantee payments in full to the extent not paid by the Trust or upon distribution to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities of the Debentures. The guarantee does not place a limitation on the amount of additional senior or subordinated

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indebtedness that may be incurred by Capitol. Capitol expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness constituting senior or subordinated indebtedness.

Amendments and Assignment

Except with respect to any changes which do not materially adversely affect the material rights of holders of the Trust Preferred Securities (in which case no vote of the holders will be required), the guarantee may not be amended without the prior approval of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities. The manner of obtaining any such approval will be as described under “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities and Related Instruments—Voting Rights; Amendment of Trust Agreement.” All guarantees and agreements contained in the guarantee bind Capitol’s successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives and will inure to the benefit of the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities then outstanding.

Events of Default

An event of default under the guarantee will occur upon Capitol’s failure to perform any of Capitol’s payment obligations under the guarantee or to perform any non-payment obligations. The holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the guarantee trustee in respect of the guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the guarantee trustee under the guarantee.

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities have the right, by vote, to waive any past events of default and its consequences under the guarantee. If such a waiver occurs, any event of default will cease to exist and be deemed to have been cured under the terms of the guarantee.

Any holder of the Trust Preferred Securities may, to the extent permissible under applicable law, institute a legal proceeding directly against Capitol to enforce its rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the guarantee trustee or any other person or entity.

Capitol, as guarantor, is required to file annually with the guarantee trustee a certificate as to whether or not Capitol is in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the guarantee.

Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee

The guarantee trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a default by Capitol in performance of the guarantee, undertakes to perform only those duties specifically set forth in the guarantee and, after default with respect to the guarantee, must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the guarantee trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the guarantee at the request of any holder of the Trust Preferred Securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred as a result. However, such a requirement does not relieve the guarantee trustee of its obligations to exercise its rights and powers under the guarantee upon the occurrence of an event of default.

Termination of the Guarantee

The guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon:

·	full payment of the redemption price of the Trust Preferred Securities;

·	full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the Trust; or

·	the distribution of the Debentures to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities in exchange for their Trust Preferred Securities.

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The guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of the Trust Preferred Securities must restore payment of any sums paid under the Trust Preferred Securities or the guarantee.

Governing Law

The guarantee is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES,

DEBENTURES AND GUARANTEE

The following description of the relationship among the Trust Preferred Securities, the Debentures and the guarantee is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the trust agreement, the indenture and the guarantee, forms of each of which has been filed as an exhibit to Capitol’s registration statement to which this prospectus supplement relates.

Full and Unconditional Guarantee

Payments of distributions and other amounts due on the Trust Preferred Securities (to the extent the Trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions) are irrevocably guaranteed by Capitol as described under “Description of the Guarantee.” Taken together, Capitol’s obligations under the Debentures, the indenture, the trust agreement and the guarantee provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payments of distributions and other amounts due on the Trust Preferred Securities. No single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes such guarantee. It is only the combined operation of these documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of the Trust’s obligations under the Trust Preferred Securities. If and to the extent that Capitol does not make payments on the Debentures, the Trust will not pay distributions or other amounts due on its Trust Preferred Securities. The guarantee does not cover payment of distributions when the Trust does not have sufficient funds to pay such distributions. In such an event, the remedy of a holder of any Trust Preferred Securities is to institute a legal proceeding directly against Capitol pursuant to the terms of the indenture for enforcement of payment of amounts of such distributions to such holder. Capitol’s obligations under the guarantee are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of Capitol’s senior or subordinated indebtedness.

Sufficiency of Payments

As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the Debentures, such payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and other payments due on the Trust Preferred Securities, primarily because:

·	the aggregate principal amount of the Debentures will be equal to the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of the Trust Preferred Securities and common securities;

·	the interest rate and interest and other payment dates on the Debentures will match the distribution rate and distribution and other payment dates for the Trust Preferred Securities; and

·	the trust agreement provides that the Trust will not engage in any activity that is inconsistent with the limited purposes of the Trust.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the indenture, Capitol has the right to set-off any payment Capitol is otherwise required to make under the indenture with a payment Capitol makes under the guarantee.

Enforcement Rights of Holders of Trust Preferred Securities

A holder of any Trust Preferred Security may, to the extent permissible under applicable law, institute a legal proceeding directly against Capitol to enforce its rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the guarantee trustee, the Trust or any other person or entity.

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A default or event of default under any of Capitol’s senior or subordinated indebtedness would not constitute a default or event of default under the indenture. However, in the event of payment defaults under, or acceleration of, Capitol’s senior or subordinated indebtedness, the subordination provisions of the indenture provide that no payments may be made in respect of the Debentures until the senior or subordinated indebtedness has been paid in full or any payment default has been cured or waived. Failure to make required payments on the Debentures would constitute an event of default under the indenture.

Limited Purpose of the Trust

The Trust Preferred Securities evidence a preferred and undivided beneficial interest in the Trust, and the Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing its Trust Preferred Securities and common securities and investing the proceeds thereof in Debentures and engaging in only those other activities necessary or incidental thereto. A principal difference between the rights of a holder of a Trust Preferred Security and a holder of a Debenture is that a holder of a Debenture is entitled to receive from Capitol the principal amount of and interest accrued on Debentures held, while a holder of Trust Preferred Securities is entitled to receive distributions from the Trust (or from Capitol under the applicable guarantee) if and to the extent the Trust has funds available for the payment of such distributions.

Rights upon Termination

Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust involving Capitol’s liquidation, the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities will be entitled to receive, out of the assets held by the Trust, the liquidation distribution in cash. See “Description of the Trust Preferred Securities and Related Instruments—Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.” Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy of ours, the property trustee, as holder of the Debentures, would be a subordinated creditor of ours, subordinated in right of payment to all senior or subordinated indebtedness as set forth in the indenture, but entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest, before any shareholders of ours receive payments or distributions. Since Capitol is the guarantor under the guarantee, the positions of a holder of Trust Preferred Securities and a holder of Debentures relative to other creditors and to Capitol’s shareholders in the event of Capitol’s liquidation or bankruptcy are expected to be substantially the same.

BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM

The Depository Trust Company, which Capitol refers to along with its successors in this capacity as “DTC,” acts as securities depository for the Trust Preferred Securities. The Trust Preferred Securities were issued only as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One or more fully registered global security certificates, representing the total aggregate number of each class of Trust Preferred Securities has been issued and deposited with DTC. At any time when the Debentures may be held by persons other than the property trustee, one or more fully registered global security certificates, representing the total aggregate principal amount of Debentures, will be issued and will be deposited with DTC.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in Trust Preferred Securities or Debentures, so long as the corresponding securities are represented by global security certificates.

DTC has advised Capitol that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its direct participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which, in turn, is owned by a number of direct participants of DTC and members of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation and Emerging Markets Clearing

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Corporation, as well as by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. ( “FINRA” ). Access to the DTC system is also available to others, referred to as “indirect participants,” such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a direct or indirect custodial relationship with a direct participant. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all securities deposited by direct participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The direct and indirect participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of redemption notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by direct and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. If less than all of the securities of any class are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the interest of each direct participant to be redeemed in accordance with its then current procedures.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to any securities unless authorized by a direct participant in accordance with DTC’s procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an omnibus proxy to the issuer as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy).

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the issuer or its agent. Under these circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates for the Trust Preferred Securities are required to be printed and delivered. Capitol may decide to discontinue the use of the system of book-entry-only transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, certificates for the Trust Preferred Securities will be printed and delivered to DTC.

As long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global security certificates, DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the global security certificates and all securities represented by these certificates for all purposes under the instruments governing the rights and obligations of holders of such securities. Except in the limited circumstances referred to above, owners of beneficial interests in global security certificates:

·	will not be entitled to have such global security certificates or the securities represented by these certificates registered in their names;

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·	will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of securities certificates in exchange for beneficial interests in global security certificates; and

·	will not be considered to be owners or holders of the global security certificates or any securities represented by these certificates for any purpose under the instruments governing the rights and obligations of holders of such securities.

All redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments on the securities represented by the global security certificates and all transfers and deliveries of such securities will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of the securities. DTC’s practice is to credit direct participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from the issuer or its agent, on the payable date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of that participant and not of DTC, the depository, the issuer or any of their agents, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of the issuer or its agent, disbursement of such payments to direct participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners will be the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security certificates will be limited to participants or persons that may hold beneficial interests through institutions that have accounts with DTC or its nominee. Ownership of beneficial interests in global security certificates will be shown only on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to participants’ interests, or any participant, with respect to interests of persons held by the participant on their behalf. Payments, transfers, deliveries, exchanges, redemptions and other matters relating to beneficial interests in global security certificates may be subject to various policies and procedures adopted by DTC from time to time. None of Capitol, the Trust, the trustees of the Trust or any agent for Capitol or any of them, will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s or any direct or indirect participant’s records relating to, or for payments made on account of, beneficial interests in global security certificates, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC’s records or any direct or indirect participant’s records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfer of interests in the global security certificates among participants, DTC is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform these procedures, and these procedures may be discontinued at any time. Capitol will not have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its direct participants or indirect participants under the rules and procedures governing DTC.

Because DTC can act only on behalf of direct participants, who in turn act only on behalf of direct or indirect participants, and certain banks, trust companies and other persons approved by it, the ability of a beneficial owner of securities to pledge them to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system may be limited due to the unavailability of physical certificates for the securities.

DTC has advised Capitol that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a registered holder of any securities under the Trust Agreement, the guarantee, the indenture or Capitol’s Articles of Incorporation, only at the direction of one or more participants to whose accounts with DTC the relevant securities are credited.

The information in this section concerning DTC and its book-entry system has been obtained from sources that Capitol and the trustees of the Trust believe to be accurate, but Capitol assumes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

WARRANTS

The warrants offered in this offering will be issued pursuant to a subscription agreement between each of the purchasers and Capitol. You should review a copy of the form of subscription agreement and the form of warrant, each of which has been filed by us as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC in connection with this offering, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants. The following is

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a brief summary of the material terms of the warrants and is subject in all respects to the provisions contained in the warrants.

Exercisability

Holders may exercise the warrants beginning on the date that is six months after the date of original issuance and at any time up to the date that is five years after such date of issuance. The warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to Capitol a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable warrant, except upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to Capitol, the holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the warrant if the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 9.9% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the warrants. Any holder (together with its affiliates) beneficially owning in excess of 9.9% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the date of issuance would not be subject to the foregoing limitation on exercisability unless such holder (together with its affiliates) thereafter beneficially owns 9.9% (or a lesser percentage) of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding.

Cashless Exercise

If at any time during the warrant exercisability period the fair market value of Capitol common stock exceeds the exercise price of the warrants, Capitol may, at its sole discretion, permit the holders to effect a cashless exercise of the warrants (in whole or in part) by surrendering the warrants to Capitol together with delivery of a duly executed exercise notice, by canceling a portion of the warrant in payment of the purchase price payable in respect of the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise.

Exercise Price

Transferability

Subject to applicable laws and the restriction on transfer set forth in the subscription agreements, the warrants may be transferred at the option of the holders upon surrender of the warrants to Capitol together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

Exchange Listing

Capitol does not plan on making an application to list the warrants on the NYSE, The NASDAQ Global Market, any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system.

Fundamental Transactions

In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the warrants and generally including any capital reorganization, reclassification of our capital stock, consolidation or merger with another entity in which Capitol is not the survivor, or the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of Capitol’s assets to another entity, then Capitol will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the holders of the warrants will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise of the warrants such shares of stock, securities or assets as would have been issuable or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of shares of Capitol’s common stock equal to the number of shares of Capitol’s common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants immediately prior to the fundamental transaction, had the fundamental transaction not taken place, and appropriate provision will be made so that the provisions of the warrants (including, for example, provisions relating to the adjustment of the exercise price) will thereafter be applicable, as nearly equivalent as may be practicable in relation to any share of stock,

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s ecurities or assets deliverable upon the exercise of the warrants after the fundamental transaction.

Rights as a Shareholder

Except as otherwise provided in the warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of Capitol’s common stock, the holders of the warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of Capitol’s common stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their warrants.

Waivers and Amendments

Any term of the warrants may be amended or waived with Capitol’s written consent and the written consent of the holders of warrants representing at least two-thirds of the number of shares of Capitol’s common stock then subject to outstanding warrants, provided that such amendment or waiver applies to all warrants in the same fashion. However, in no event may the exercise price of or the number of shares of Capitol’s common stock subject to any warrant be amended, nor may the right to exercise that warrant be waived, without the written consent of the holder of that warrant.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which Capitol has the authority to issue is seventy million (70,000,000) shares consisting of (i) twenty million (20,000,000) shares of preferred stock, no par value per share and (ii) fifty million (50,000,000) shares of common stock, no par value per share. The authorized shares of the common stock are all of one class with equal voting power, and each share shall be equal to every other share.

Shares of the preferred stock may be divided into and issued in one or more series. Capitol’s Board of Directors is authorized to cause the preferred stock to be issued from time to time in one or more series, with such designations and such relative voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, preferences and limitations as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock adopted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt such resolutions or resolutions and issue such stock from time to time as it may deem desirable.

As of February 24, 2009, there were 17,290,623 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of the preferred stock issued and outstanding.

Capitol’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. under the symbol “CBC.” All of the outstanding shares of common stock are, and any common stock issued and sold under this prospectus will be, fully paid and nonassessable.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK CAPITOL MAY OFFER

Preferred Stock

Capitol’s board of directors is authorized to issue preferred stock in one or more series, from time to time, with full or limited voting powers, or without voting powers, and with all designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions upon the preferred stock, as may be provided in the resolution or resolutions adopted by Capitol’s board of directors. The authority of Capitol’s board of directors includes, but is not limited to, the determination or fixing of the following with respect to shares of any class or series of preferred stock:

·	the number of shares and designation of any series of preferred stock;

·	the dividend rate and whether dividends are to be cumulative;

·	whether shares are to be redeemable, and, if so, whether redeemable for cash, property or rights;

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·	the rights to which the holders of shares shall be entitled, and the preferences, if any, over any other series;

·	whether the shares shall be subject to the operation of a purchase, retirement or sinking fund, and, if so, upon what conditions;

·	whether the shares will be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any other class or of any other series of any class of capital stock and the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange;

·	the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of the shares;

·	whether the issuance of any additional shares, or of any shares of any other series, will be subject to restrictions as to issuance, or as to the powers, preferences or rights of any of these other series; and

·	any other preferences, privileges and powers and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions.

Capitol’s board of directors, without shareholder approval, can issue preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the voting power of Capitol’s common stock.

Common Stock

The following description summarizes the material provisions of our common stock. This description is not complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of our articles of incorporation, as amended and Capitol’s amended and restated bylaws, as well as the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended, or the MBCA. Capitol’s articles of incorporation and bylaws are, and any amendments to them will be, incorporated by reference in Capitol’s registration statement.

The transfer agent and registrar for Capitol’s common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.

All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive:

dividends when, as and if declared by Capitol’s Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends (as a bank holding company, Capitol’s ability to pay distributions will be affected by the ability of its banking subsidiaries to pay dividends under applicable laws, rules and regulations; the ability of these banking subsidiaries, as well as Capitol, to pay dividends in the future currently is, and could be further, influenced by bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines); and

·	in the event of dissolution of Capitol, to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities.

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters presented to a vote at a shareholders meeting, including the election of directors. Holders of common stock have no cumulative voting rights or preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any additional shares of common stock or other securities and there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to the common stock. Capitol’s common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “CBC.”

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Certain Restrictions Under Michigan Law

Subject to certain exceptions, Chapter 7A of the Michigan Business Corporation Act prohibits a corporation from engaging in any business combination with an interested shareholder (generally defined as a 10% shareholder) unless approved by at least (1) 90% of the votes of each class of stock entitled to vote and (2) two-thirds of the votes of each class of stock entitled to be cast by the shareholders other than voting shares beneficially owned by the interested shareholder.

In addition, Chapter 7B of the Michigan Business Corporation Act provides that a party that acquires or offers to acquire ownership of control shares of a corporation (defined as shares obtained pursuant to a transaction in which the acquiring party reaches the 20%, 33% or majority ownership levels) has the right to vote those shares, and shares acquired within the previous 90 days (or while pursuing a plan to acquire control shares), only to the extent granted by a resolution of the shareholders approved at a special or annual meeting. A resolution granting voting rights must be approved by a majority vote of (1) all shares and (2) all disinterested shares. If the acquiring party has acquired a majority stake and been accorded full voting rights, shareholders other than the acquiring shareholder are entitled to put their shares to the corporation for “fair value” (defined as the highest price paid per share by the acquiring party in the control share acquisition).

Certain Restrictions Under Federal Banking Laws

The Bank Holding Company Act prohibits any company that is not engaged in banking activities and activities that are permissible for a bank holding company or a financial holding company from acquiring control of Capitol. Control is generally defined in the Bank Holding Company Act and the regulations thereunder as ownership of 25% or more of any class of voting stock or other exercise of a controlling influence. In addition, any existing bank holding company would require the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring 5% or more of the voting stock of Capitol. In addition, the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978, as amended, prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been notified and has not objected to the transaction. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve Board, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, such as Capitol, would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute acquisition of control of the bank holding company.

Certain Other Limitations

In addition to the foregoing limitations, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Capitol contain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect, and may prevent or delay mergers and other business combination transactions that common shareholders may believe to be in their best interests. Some of the provisions also may make it difficult for shareholders to replace incumbent directors with new directors who may be willing to entertain changes that shareholders may believe will lead to improvements in the combined company’s business. These additional or different provisions include the classified board structure of Capitol.

USE OF PROCEEDS

All net proceeds from the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities being offered under this prospectus will go to the selling securityholders. Capitol has agreed to bear the expenses (other than broker’s commissions and similar charges) of the registration of the Trust Preferred Securities, including legal and accounting fees.

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

The following table provides information regarding the selling securityholders and the number of the Trust Preferred Securities each selling securityholder is offering. Capitol has prepared this table based on information furnished to Capitol by or on behalf of the selling securityholders. Under the rules of the SEC, beneficial ownership includes Trust Preferred Securities over which the indicated beneficial owner exercises voting or investment power. Beneficial ownership is determined under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act” ) and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities, including any

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securities that grant the selling securityholder the right to acquire Trust Preferred Securities within 60 days of February 27, 2009. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes below, Capitol believes that the selling securityholders have sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the Trust Preferred Securities beneficially owned. The percentage ownership data is based on shares of the Trust Preferred Securities issued and outstanding as of February 15, 2009. Since the date on which they provided Capitol with the information below, the selling securityholders may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of some or all of their Trust Preferred Securities in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

The Trust Preferred Securities may be sold by the selling securityholders, by those persons or entities to whom they transfer, donate, devise, pledge or distribute their Trust Preferred Securities or by other successors in interest. The information regarding shares beneficially owned after this offering assumes the sale of all Trust Preferred Securities offered by each of the selling securityholders. The selling securityholders may sell less than all of the Trust Preferred Securities listed in the table. In addition, the Trust Preferred Securities listed below may be sold pursuant to this prospectus or in privately negotiated transactions. Accordingly, Capitol cannot estimate the number of Trust Preferred Securities the selling securityholders will sell under this prospectus.

Each of the selling security holders are subsidiaries and affiliates of Capitol.

The selling securityholders have represented to Capitol that they purchased the Trust Preferred Securities for their own account, for investment only and not with a view toward selling or distributing them in violation of the Securities Act, except in sales either registered under the Securities Act, or sales that are exempt from registration. In recognition of the fact that the selling securityholders, even though purchasing their shares for investment, may wish to be legally permitted to sell their Trust Preferred Securities when they deem appropriate, Capitol agreed with the selling securityholders to file a registration statement to register the resale of the Trust Preferred Securities.

Capitol prepared this table based on the information supplied to Capitol by the selling securityholders named in the table. Ownership information about the selling securityholders may change over time. Any changed information supplied to Capitol will be set forth in prospectus supplements or amendments to this prospectus.

Name and Address of Selling Securityholder(1)	Number of Trust Preferred Securities Beneficially Owned Prior to Offerings(2)	Maximum Number of Trust Preferred Securities Being Offered	Percentage of Trust Preferred Securities Beneficially Owned After the Offering(3)
Ann Arbor Commerce Bank 2950 State Street South Ann Arbor, MI 48104	260,000	260,000	*
Arrowhead Community Bank 17235 North 75 th Avenue, Suite B100 Glendale, AZ 85308	58,900	58,900	*
Bank of Escondido 200 West Grand Avenue Escondido, CA 92025	95,000	95,000	*
Bank of Las Vegas 6001 S. Decatur Blvd. Suite P Las Vegas, NV 89118	60,000	60,000	*
Bank of Tucson 4400 East Broadway – Suite 112 Tucson, AZ 85711	150,000	150,000	*
Black Mountain Community Bank 1700 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 101 Henderson, NV 89012	110,000	110,000	*
Brighton Commerce Bank 8700 North Second Street Brighton, MI 48116	80,000	80,000	*
Camelback Community Bank 2777 E. Camelback Road, Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85016	70,000	70,000	*

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Name and Address of Selling Securityholder(1)

Number of

Trust Preferred Securities

Beneficially

Owned Prior

to Offerings(2)

Maximum

Number of

Trust Preferred Securities

Being

Offered

Percentage of

Trust Preferred Securities

Beneficially

Owned After

the Offering(3)

Capitol Bancorp Limited 200 Washington Square North Lansing, MI 48933	180,000	180,000	*
Community Bank of Rowan 6000 Village Drive, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE 68516	30,000	30,000	*
Desert Community Bank 3740 South Pecos-McLeod Las Vegas, NV 89121	75,000	75,000	*
Detroit Commerce Bank 645 Griswold, Suite 70 Detroit, MI 48226	80,000	80,000	*
Elkhart Community Bank 303 South Third Street Elkhart, IN 46516	70,000	70,000	*
First Carolina State Bank 171 North Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804	72,000	72,000	*
Goshen Community Bank 511 West Lincoln Avenue Goshen, IN 46526	55,000	55,000	*
Macomb Community Bank 16000 Hall Rd, Suite 102 Clinton Twp, MI 48038	80,000	80,000	*
Mesa Bank 63 East Main, Suite 100 Mesa, AZ 85201	150,000	150,000	*
Oakland Commerce Bank 31731 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 100 Farmington Hills, MI 48334	85,000	85,000	*
Portage Commerce Bank 800 East Milham Rd. Portage, MI 49002	150,000	150,000	*
Red Rock Community Bank 10000 West Charleston, Suite 100 Las Vegas, NV 89135	90,000	90,000	*
Southern Arizona Community Bank 6400 North Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85704	70,000	70,000	*
Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque 219 Central Ave. NW, Suite 100 Albuquerque, NM 87102	55,000	55,000	*
Sunrise Bank of Arizona 4350 East Camelback Road, Suite 100A Phoenix, AZ 85018	100,000	100,000	*
Sunrise Bank of San Diego 4445 Eastgate Mall, Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92121	75,000	75,000	*
Yuma Community Bank 2285 S. 4 th Avenue Yuma, AZ 85364	50,000	50,000	*

* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities.

1.	Each of the above listed selling securityholders are subsidiaries and affiliates of Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

2. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

3. Assumes all of the Trust Preferred Securities offered hereby are sold.

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Because the selling securityholders may offer all or some of their Trust Preferred Securities from time to time, Capitol cannot estimate the number of the Trust Preferred Securities that will be held by the selling shareholders upon the termination of any particular offering. Each of the selling securityholders has been informed that they may be required to comply with, among other regulations, Regulation M during such time that such selling securityholder is engaged in a distribution of any of the Trust Preferred Securities that Capitol is registering by this registration statement. See “Plan of Distribution.”

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The selling securityholders and any of its pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of the Trust Preferred Securities on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the Trust Preferred Securities are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. The selling securityholders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling the Trust Preferred Securities:

·	ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

·	block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the Trust Preferred Securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

·	purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

·	an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

·	privately negotiated transactions;

·	settlement of short sales;

·	broker-dealers may agree with the selling securityholder to sell a specified number of such Trust Preferred Securities at a stipulated price per share;

·	a combination of any such methods of sale;

·	through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; or

·	any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

The selling securityholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.

Broker-dealers engaged by the selling securityholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling securityholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of the Trust Preferred Securities, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated. The selling securityholders do not expect these commissions and discounts relating to its sales of the Trust Preferred Securities to exceed what is customary in the types of transactions involved.

In connection with the sale of the Trust Preferred Securities or interests therein, the selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Trust Preferred Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling securityholders may also sell the Trust Preferred Securities short and deliver these securities to close out its short positions, or loan or pledge the Trust Preferred Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling securityholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or create one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution

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of shares offered by this prospectus, which the Trust Preferred Securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

The selling securityholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the Trust Preferred Securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The selling securityholders have informed Capitol that they do not have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Trust Preferred Securities.

Because the selling securityholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. The selling securityholders have advised Capitol that it has not entered into any agreements, understandings or arrangements with any underwriter or broker-dealer regarding the sale of the resale shares. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling securityholders.

The shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the Trust Preferred Securities for a period of two business days prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling securityholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the Trust Preferred Securities by the selling securityholders or any other person. Capitol will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling securityholders and have informed the selling securityholders of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale.

CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered hereby and certain other legal matters in connection therewith will be passed upon for Capitol by Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Capitol as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Capitol files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document Capitol files at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. In addition, Capitol’s SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and through the New York Stock Exchange Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

S - 59

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

In this prospectus, as permitted by law, Capitol “incorporates by reference” information from other documents that Capitol files with the SEC. This means that Capitol can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus and should be read with the same care. When Capitol updates the information contained in documents that have been incorporated by reference by making future filings with the SEC, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is considered to be automatically updated and superseded. In other words, in case of a conflict or inconsistency between information contained in this prospectus and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later.

Capitol incorporates by reference the documents listed below and any documents Capitol files with the SEC in the future under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act” ) until Capitol’s offering is completed:

·	Capitol’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007;

·	Capitol’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008;

·	Capitol’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008;

·	Capitol’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008;

Capitol’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 31, 2008, February 1, 2008, March 18, 2008, March 31, 2008, April 17, 2008, April 24, 2008, June 19, 2008, June 20, 2008, June 27, 2008, July 1, 2008, July 9, 2008, July 17, 2008, July 30, 2008, August 8, 2008, August 29, 2008, October, 16, 2008, November 14, 2008, December 1, 2008, December 10, 2008, December 15, 2008, December 16, 2008, January 29, 2009, February 3, 2009, February 6, 2009 and February 17, 2009;

·	the description of Capitol’s common stock contained in Capitol’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed April 19, 1990; and

·	the description of the Trust Preferred Securities contained in Capitol’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on June 12, 2008.

Information furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of Capitol’s Current Reports on Form 8-K is not incorporated by reference.

You may request a copy of any of these filings, other than an exhibit to a filing unless that exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into that filing, at no cost, by writing to or telephoning Capitol at the following address:

Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

Capitol Bancorp Center

200 Washington Square North, Fourth Floor

Lansing, Michigan 48933

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (517) 487-6555

Internet website: www.capitolbancorp.com

S - 60

PROSPECTUS

Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

$150,000,000

Warrants

Purchase Contracts

Units

Common Stock

Capitol may offer and sell any combination of the securities listed above, in one or more offerings, up to a total dollar amount of $150,000,000 (or the equivalent in foreign currency or currency units). Capitol may also issue common stock or other of the securities listed above upon the exchange, conversion or exercise of such listed securities. Capitol will describe specific terms of the securities in supplements to this prospectus. The warrants and purchase contracts may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock or other securities of Capitol or debt or equity securities of one or more other entities. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CBC.”

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in a supplement to this prospectus or incorporated into this prospectus by reference. Where appropriate, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the securities being offered.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained on page 7 and in the applicable prospectus supplement.

These securities are not deposits or obligations of a bank or savings association and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state or foreign securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Capitol may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis.

The date of this prospectus is ___________, 2008.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	3
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	4
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE	4
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS	5
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY	7
RISK FACTORS	9
CAPITOL BANCORP LTD.	9
USE OF PROCEEDS	9
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES	10
REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS	10
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK	11
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK CAPITOL MAY OFFER	11
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS CAPITOL MAY OFFER	13
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS CAPITOL MAY OFFER	15
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS CAPITOL MAY OFFER	15
LEGAL OWNERSHIP AND BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE	16
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	21
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS	22
EXPERTS	22

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that Capitol filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” ) utilizing a shelf registration process. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities Capitol may offer. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the securities offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference.

References to “Capitol,” “us,” “we” or “our” in this prospectus mean Capitol Bancorp Ltd., and do not include the consolidated subsidiaries of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. When we to “you” in this section, we mean all purchasers of the securities being offered by this prospectus, whether they are the record holders or only indirect owners of those securities.

Each time Capitol sells securities, Capitol will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. In addition, Capitol and any underwriter or agent that Capitol may from time to time retain may also provide other information relating to an offering, which Capitol refers to as “other offering material.” The prospectus supplement as well as the other offering material may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, any applicable pricing supplement, together with additional information described in the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and any other offering material before making an investment in our securities. Throughout this prospectus, where Capitol indicates that information may be supplemented in an applicable prospectus supplement or supplements, that information may also be supplemented in other offering material provided. If there is any inconsistency between the information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely upon the information contained in such prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, and in other offering material Capitol provides, if any, or information contained in documents to which you are referred by this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, or in other offering material Capitol provides, if any. Capitol has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. Capitol is offering to sell the securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or other offering material Capitol provides is accurate only as of the date on the front of those documents, regardless of the time of delivery of the documents or any sale of the securities .

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Capitol files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document Capitol files at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. In addition, our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and through the New York Stock Exchange Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

In this prospectus, as permitted by law, Capitol will “incorporate by reference” information from other documents that Capitol files with the SEC. This means that Capitol can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus and should be read with the same care. When Capitol updates the information contained in documents that have been incorporated by reference by making future filings with the SEC, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is considered to be automatically updated and superseded. In other words, in case of a conflict or inconsistency between information contained in this prospectus and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later.

·	our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007;

·	our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008;

·	our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 31, 2008, February 1, 2008, March 18, 2008, March 31, 2008, April 17, 2008 and April 24, 2008; and

·	the description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed April 19, 1990.

Information furnished under Item 2.02 or 7.01 of our Current Reports on Form 8-K is not incorporated by reference.

Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

Capitol Bancorp Center

200 Washington Square North, Fourth Floor

Lansing, Michigan 48933

Attention: Investor Relations

Telephone: (517) 487-6555

Internet website: www.capitolbancorp.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and each prospectus supplement contains or incorporates statements that Capitol believes are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking language such as “will likely result,” “may,” “are expected to,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “projected,” “intends to” or other similar words. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those described in this prospectus, the prospectus supplement or the documents incorporated by reference. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements Capitol may make. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to us. Capitol undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Capitol cannot predict the results or actual effects of our plans and strategies, which are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may cause our actual results or earnings to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our SEC filings that are incorporated herein by reference, including future filings, as well as the following:

·	the environment for formation of new banks could change adversely;

·	new banks, which include our younger affiliates, incur operating losses and may not contribute to consolidated earnings for a period of time;

·	the environment which has made both capital and management talent readily available for formation of new banks could change adversely;

·	changes in regulations, or regulatory action regarding us or our banks could limit future expansion plans;

·	Our consolidated allowance for loan losses is based on estimates;

·	concentrations in loans secured by commercial real estate could limit or delay future expansion plans and loss estimates could change significantly if real estate market conditions deteriorate;

·	the complexity of our structure (a mixture of partially-owned and wholly-owned banks and related entities) complicates financial analysis;

·	the results of our efforts to implement our business strategy may not meet the expectations underlying our forward-looking statements;

·	legislation or regulatory requirements may adversely impact our banking business and/or expansion strategy;

·	competitive pressure among financial services companies may increase significantly, which may adversely affect our ability to market our products and services;

·	general economic conditions may be less favorable than expected;

·	changes in the interest rate environment may reduce interest margins and impact funding sources;

·	changes in market rates and prices may adversely impact the value of financial products and assets;

·	legislation or regulatory environments, requirements or changes may adversely affect businesses in which our company is engaged;

·	litigation liabilities, including costs, expenses, settlements and judgments, may adversely affect us or our its businesses;

·	trade, monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental bodies may affect the economic environment in which Capitol operates, as well as Capitol’s financial condition and results of operations;

·	adversity in general economic conditions, or in the condition of the local economies or industries in which Capitol has significant operations or assets, could, among other things, materially impact credit quality trends and our ability to generate loans;

·	it could take us longer than anticipated to implement strategic initiatives designed to grow revenue or manage expenses; Capitol may be unable to implement certain initiatives; or the initiatives may be unsuccessful;

·	acquisitions and dispositions of assets, business units or affiliates could adversely affect us in ways that management has not anticipated;

·	Capitol may experience operational or risk management failures due to technological or other factors;

·	changes in the stock markets, public debt markets and other capital markets could adversely affect our ability to raise capital or other funding for liquidity and business purposes;

·	terrorist activities or military actions could disrupt the economy and the general business climate, which may have an adverse effect on our financial results or condition and that of our borrowers;

·	Capitol may become subject to new accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements; and

·	Capitol may engage in various merger and other business combination transactions, which entail various risks and uncertainties, including:

§	revenues following the transaction may be lower than expected;

§	deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following any such transaction, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, may be greater than expected; and

Capitol may not be able to achieve cost or revenue synergies and other benefits anticipated from the transaction in full, at the times anticipated or at all.

Because these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document or the date of any document incorporated by reference in this document. Capitol cautions investors not to place significant reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the documents Capitol incorporate by reference.

You should refer to our periodic and current reports filed with the SEC (and incorporated by reference herein) for further information on other factors that could cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. See above under the caption “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in this prospectus.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary provides a general description of the securities Capitol may offer. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding of us and the terms of the securities Capitol will offer, you should read carefully this entire prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” section, the applicable prospectus supplement for the securities and the other documents Capitol refers to and incorporates by reference. In particular, Capitol incorporates important business and financial information into this prospectus by reference.

The Securities CAPITOL May Offer

Capitol may offer any of the following securities from time to time:

·	common stock;

warrants;

·	purchase contracts; and

·	units, comprised of two or more securities, in any combination.

Manner of Offering

Capitol may use this prospectus to offer securities in an aggregate amount of up to $150,000,000 in one or more offerings. The securities will be offered when they are first issued and sold and after that in market-making transactions involving one or more of our subsidiaries.

A prospectus supplement, which Capitol will provide each time Capitol offers securities, will describe the amounts, prices and detailed terms of the securities offered and may describe risks associated with an investment in the securities in addition to those described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. Capitol will also include in the prospectus supplement, where applicable, information about material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities.

Capitol may sell the securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. We, as well as any agents acting on our behalf, reserve the sole right to accept or to reject in whole or in part any proposed purchase of our securities. Each prospectus supplement will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of our securities described in that prospectus supplement and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.

Common Stock

Capitol may sell our common stock, no par value per share. In a prospectus supplement, Capitol will describe the aggregate number of shares offered and the offering price or prices of the shares.

Warrants

Capitol may sell warrants to purchase our shares of our common stock. In a prospectus supplement, Capitol will inform you of the exercise price and other specific terms of the warrants, including whether our or your obligations, if any, under any warrants may be satisfied by delivering or purchasing the underlying securities or their cash value.

Purchase Contracts

Capitol may issue purchase contracts, including purchase contracts issued as part of a unit with one or more other securities, for the purchase or sale of our common stock. The price per share of common stock, may be fixed

at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula contained in the purchase contracts. Capitol may issue purchase contracts in such amounts and in as many distinct series as Capitol wishes.

Units

Capitol may sell any combination of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus, together as units. In a prospectus supplement, Capitol will describe the particular combination of securities constituting any units and any other specific terms of the units.

Listing

If any securities are to be listed or quoted on a securities exchange or quotation system, your prospectus supplement will say so. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CBC.”

RISK FACTORS

Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in Capitol’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in our updates to those Risk Factors in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, together with all of the other information appearing in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, in light of your particular investment objectives and financial circumstances. In addition to those risk factors, there may be additional risks and uncertainties of which management is not aware or focused on or that management deems immaterial. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

CAPITOL BANCORP LTD.

About Capitol Bancorp Ltd.

Capitol is a $5.1 billion national community bank development company, with a network of 64 separately chartered banks and bank operations in 17 states. Capitol is registered as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, with executive offices located at the Capitol Bancorp Center, 200 Washington Square North, Fourth Floor, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Capitol’s telephone number is (517) 487-6555. Capitol also has executive offices located at 2777 East Camelback Road, Suite 375, Phoenix, Arizona 85016 (telephone number (602) 955-6100).

Capitol’s operating strategy is to provide transactional, processing and administrative support and mentoring to aid in the effective growth and development of its banks. It provides access to support services and management with significant experience in community banking. These administrative and operational support services do not require a direct interface with the bank customer and therefore can be consolidated more efficiently without affecting the bank customer relationship. Subsidiary banks have full decision-making authority in structuring and approving loans and in the delivery and pricing of other banking services.

Additional information about Capitol and its subsidiaries is included in documents incorporated by reference in this document. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” Our principal executive office is located at Capitol Bancorp Center, 200 Washington Square North, Fourth Floor, Lansing, Michigan 48933, and our telephone number is (517) 487-6555.

Recent Developments

Subsequent to March 31, 2008, two de novo banks have opened. Colonia Bank, located in Phoenix, Arizona, opened on April 30, 2008. On May 15, 2008, Pisgah Community Bank, located in Asheville, North Carolina, commenced operations. Each is majority owned by bank-development subsidiaries controlled by Capitol.

In May 2008, Capitol commenced a private offering of up to $25 million of promissory notes, bearing interest at 9%, with a maturity of five years. Such offering was made solely to “accredited investors” who are affiliated with or associates of Capitol or its subsidiaries. It is anticipated that the offering will be completed on or about June 15, 2008. Proceeds from the offering will be used for bank development and other corporate purposes.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, Capitol expects to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities for general corporate and other purposes, which may include:

·	reducing or refinancing existing debt;

·	investments at the holding company level;

·	investing in, or extending credit to, our subsidiaries;

·	possible acquisitions;

·	stock repurchases;

·	providing capital to our subsidiaries to support additional growth;

·	continued investment in new bank subsidiaries; and

·	other purposes as described in any prospectus supplement.

Pending such use, Capitol may temporarily invest the net proceeds. The precise amounts and timing of the application of proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and the availability of other funds. Except as indicated in a prospectus supplement, allocations of the proceeds to specific purposes will not have been made at the date of that prospectus supplement.

Based upon our historical and anticipated future growth and our financial needs, Capitol may engage in additional financings of a character and amount that Capitol determines as the need arises.

Capitol continually evaluates possible business combination opportunities. As a result, future business combinations involving cash, debt or equity securities may occur. Any future business combination or series of business combinations that Capitol might undertake may be material, in terms of assets acquired, liabilities assumed or otherwise, to our financial condition.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Capitol, which includes its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing:

·	net income plus all applicable income taxes plus fixed charges, by

·	fixed charges

Fixed charges, excluding interest on deposits, includes interest on long-term debt, FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, subordinated debentures, other borrowed funds and a portion of rent expense deemed to be representative of interest cost (estimated to approximate one-third of rent expense). Fixed charges, including interest on deposits, include all of the items listed above plus interest on deposits.

Three Months

Ended

Year Ended December 31,

March 31, 2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Ratio of earnings to fixed

charges

Excluding interest on

deposits

1.03x

1.95x

3.97x

4.36x

4.25x

4.75x

Including interest on

deposits

1.01x

1.16x

1.54x

1.79x

1.84x

1.73x

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Capitol is extensively regulated under both federal and state law. Capitol is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act” ) and Regulation Y

thereunder. As such, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board” ) regulates, supervises and examines Capitol. Our banking subsidiaries have deposit insurance provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through the Deposit Insurance Fund. For a discussion of the material elements of the regulatory framework applicable to bank holding companies and their subsidiaries and specific information relevant to us, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and any subsequent reports Capitol files with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

This regulatory framework is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the federal deposit insurance funds and not for the protection of security holders. As a result of this regulatory framework, our earnings are affected by actions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures the deposits of our banking subsidiaries within certain limits, certain other federal and state regulatory agencies that regulate us and our bank subsidiaries, and the SEC.

Our earnings are also affected by general economic conditions, our management policies and legislative action. In addition, there are numerous governmental requirements and regulations that affect our business activities. A change in applicable statutes, regulations or regulatory policy may have a material effect on our business.

Depository institutions, like Capitol’s bank subsidiaries, are also affected by various federal and state laws, including those relating to consumer protection and similar matters. Capitol also has other subsidiaries regulated, supervised and examined by the Federal Reserve Board, as well as other relevant state and federal regulatory agencies and self-regulatory organizations, including, without limitation, the OCC, the OTS and the NYSE. Our non-bank subsidiaries may be subject to other laws and regulations of the federal government or the various states in which they do business.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Our authorized capital stock includes 50,000,000 shares of common stock, no par value per share. As of May 20, 2008, there were 17,321,916 shares of common stock outstanding.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. under the symbol “CBC.” All of the outstanding shares of common stock are, and any common stock issued and sold under this prospectus will be, fully paid and nonassessable.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK CAPITOL MAY OFFER

General

The following description summarizes the material provisions of our common stock. This description is not complete, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of our articles of incorporation, as amended and our amended and restated bylaws, as well as the Michigan Business Corporation Act, as amended, or the MBCA. Our articles of incorporation and bylaws are, and any amendments to them will be, incorporated by reference in our registration statement.

The transfer agent and registrar for Capitol’s common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, MA 02021.

All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive:

dividends when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends (as a bank holding company, Capitol’s ability to pay distributions will be affected by the ability of its banking subsidiaries to pay dividends under applicable laws, rules and regulations; the ability of these banking subsidiaries, as well as Capitol, to pay dividends in the future currently is, and could be further, influenced by bank regulatory requirements and capital guidelines); and

·	in the event of dissolution of Capitol, to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities.

Certain Restrictions Under Michigan Law

Certain Restrictions Under Federal Banking Laws

Certain Other Limitations

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS CAPITOL MAY OFFER

General

The following outlines some of the general terms and provisions of the warrants. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description and any description of the warrants in a prospectus supplement may not be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and provisions of the relevant warrant agreement.

Capitol may issue warrants to purchase common stock. Warrants may be issued by us independently or together with any other securities and may be attached or separate from such securities. Capitol may issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. If Capitol designates a warrant agent, such warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any warrants that Capitol may offer, including the following:

·	the title of the warrants;

·	the total number of warrants;

·	the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

·	if applicable, the currency or currencies investors may use to pay for the warrants;

·	the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, to be delivered to warrantholders upon exercise of the warrants;

·	if applicable, the price at which and the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which investors may purchase the underlying securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

·	the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire;

·	whether the warrants will be issued in registered form or bearer form;

·	information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

·	if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

·	if applicable, the designation and terms of the underlying securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each underlying security;

·	if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related underlying securities will be separately transferable;

·	if applicable, a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations;

·	the identity of the warrant agent, if any;

·	the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; and

·	any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase such principal amount of such number of shares of common stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or can be calculated according to information contained in, the prospectus supplement relating to the warrant. Warrants may be exercised at such times as are set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants. After the close of business on the expiration date of the warrants, or such later date to which such expiration date may be extended by Capitol, unexercised warrants will become void.

Subject to any restrictions and additional requirements that may be set forth in the prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised by delivery to the warrant agent of the certificate evidencing such warrants properly completed and duly executed and of payment as provided in the prospectus supplement of the amount required to purchase shares of common stock purchasable upon such exercise. The exercise price will be the price applicable on the date of payment in full, as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants. Upon receipt of such payment and the certificate representing the warrants to be exercised, properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, Capitol will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the shares of common stock purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by such certificate are exercised, a new certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants.

Additional Provisions

The exercise price payable and the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of each stock warrant will be subject to adjustment in certain events, including:

·	the issuance of the stock dividend to holders of common stock;

·	a combination, subdivision or reclassification of common stock; or

·	any other event described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

In lieu of adjusting the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of each stock warrant, Capitol may elect to adjust the number of stock warrants. No adjustment in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the stock warrants will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% thereof. Capitol may, at our option, reduce the exercise price at any time. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of stock warrants, but Capitol will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of any consolidation, merger, or sale or conveyance of the property of Capitol as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, the holder of each outstanding stock warrant shall have the right upon the exercise thereof to the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property, including cash, receivable by a holder of the number of shares of common stock into which such stock warrants were exercisable immediately prior thereto.

No Rights as Shareholders

Unless specified in a prospectus supplement, holders of stock warrants will not be entitled, by virtue of being such holders, to vote, to consent, to receive dividends, to receive notice as shareholders with respect to any meeting of shareholders for the election of directors of Capitol or any other matter or to exercise any rights whatsoever as shareholders of Capitol.

No warrant agreement will be qualified as an indenture, and no warrant agent will be required to qualify as a trustee, under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of warrants issued under a warrant agreement will not have the protection of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS CAPITOL MAY OFFER

Capitol may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:

·	shares of our common stock;

·	currencies; or

·	commodities.

Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities, currencies or commodities at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will contain, where applicable, the following information about the purchase contracts issued under it:

·	whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both purchase and sell, securities, currencies or commodities, as applicable, and the nature and amount of each of those securities, currencies or commodities, or the method of determining those amounts;

·	whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not and whether holders thereof are required to secure their obligations in a specified manner;

whether Capitol may satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies;

·	the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities, currencies or commodities;

·	whether the purchase contracts require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and whether those payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis;

·	any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the settlement of the purchase contracts; and

·	whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts. The preceding description and any description of purchase contracts in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contract agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depository arrangements relating to such purchase contracts.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS CAPITOL MAY OFFER

Capitol may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

·	the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

·	any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units, any unit agreement governing the units or of the securities comprising the units; and

·	whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the additional material terms of any units. The preceding description and any description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units.

LEGAL OWNERSHIP AND BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

In this section, Capitol describes special considerations that will apply to securities issued in global — i.e., book-entry — form. First Capitol describes the difference between legal ownership and indirect ownership of securities. Then Capitol describes special provisions that apply to securities.

Who is the Legal Owner of a Registered Security?

Each debt security, warrant, purchase contract, unit or share of common stock in registered form will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing such securities. Capitol refers to those who have securities registered in their own names, on the books that Capitol or the trustee, warrant agent or other agent maintain for this purpose, as the “holders” of those securities. These persons are the legal holders of the securities. Capitol refers to those who, indirectly through others, own beneficial interests in securities that are not registered in their own names as indirect owners of those securities. As discussed below, indirect owners are not legal holders, and investors in securities issued in book-entry form or in street name will be indirect owners.

Book-Entry Owners

Unless otherwise noted in your prospectus supplement, Capitol will issue each security in book-entry form only. This means securities will be represented by one or more global securities registered in the name of a financial institution that holds them as depositary on behalf of other financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system. These participating institutions, in turn, hold beneficial interests in the securities on behalf of themselves or their customers.

Under each indenture, warrant agreement, purchase contract or unit agreement, only the person in whose name a security is registered is recognized as the holder of that security. Consequently, for securities issued in global form, Capitol will recognize only the depositary as the holder of the securities and will make all payments on the securities, including deliveries of any property other than cash, to the depositary. The depositary passes along the payments it receives to its participants, which in turn pass the payments along to their customers who are the beneficial owners. The depositary and its participants do so under agreements they have made with one another or with their customers; they are not obligated to do so under the terms of the securities.

As a result, investors will not own securities directly. Instead, they will own beneficial interests in a global security, through a bank, broker or other financial institution that participates in the depositary’s book-entry system or holds an interest through a participant. As long as the securities are issued in global form, investors will be indirect owners, and not holders, of the securities.

Street Name Owners

Capitol may terminate an existing global security or issue securities initially in non-global form. In these cases, investors may choose to hold their securities in their own names or in street name. Securities held by an investor in

street name would be registered in the name of a bank, broker or other financial institution that the investor chooses, and the investor would hold only a beneficial interest in those securities through an account he or she maintains at that institution.

For securities held in street name, Capitol will recognize only the intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions in whose names the securities are registered as the holders of those securities and will make all payments on those securities, including deliveries of any property other than cash, to them. These institutions pass along the payments they receive to their customers who are the beneficial owners, but only because they agree to do so in their customary agreements or because they are legally required to do so. Investors who hold securities in street name will be indirect owners, not holders, of those securities.

Legal Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the trustee under any indenture and the obligations, if any, of any warrant agents and unit agents and any other third parties employed by us or any of those agents, run only to the holders of the securities. Capitol does not have obligations to investors who hold beneficial interests in global securities, in street name or by any other indirect means. This will be the case whether an investor chooses to be an indirect owner of a security or has no choice because Capitol is issuing the securities only in global form.

For example, once Capitol makes a payment or gives a notice to the holder, we have no further responsibility for that payment or notice even if that holder is required, under agreements with depositary participants or customers or by law, to pass it along to the indirect owners but does not do so. Similarly, if Capitol wants to obtain the approval of the holders for any purpose — for example, to amend the indenture for a series of warrants or the warrant agreement for a series of warrants or to relieve us of the consequences of a default or of its obligation to comply with a particular provision of an indenture —Capitol would seek the approval only from the holders, and not the indirect owners, of the relevant securities. Whether and how the holders contact the indirect owners is up to the holders.

When Capitol refers to “you” in this prospectus, Capitol means all purchasers of the securities being offered by this prospectus, whether they are the holders or only indirect owners of those securities. When Capitol refers to “your securities” in this prospectus, Capitol means the securities in which you will hold a direct or indirect interest.

Special Considerations for Indirect Owners

If you hold securities through a bank, broker or other financial institution, either in book-entry form or in street name, you should check with your own institution to find out:

·	how it handles securities payments and notices;

·	whether it imposes fees or charges;

·	whether and how you can instruct it to exercise any rights or purchase or sell warrant property under a warrant or purchase contract property under a purchase contract or to exchange or convert a security for or into other property;

·	how it would handle a request for the holders’ consent, if ever required;

·	how it would exercise rights under the securities if there were a default or other event triggering the need for holders to act to protect their interests; and

·	if the securities are in book-entry form, how the depositary’s rules and procedures will affect these matters.

What is a Global Security?

Unless otherwise noted in the applicable prospectus supplement, Capitol will issue each security in book-entry form only. Each security issued in book-entry form will be represented by a global security that Capitol will deposit with and register in the name of one or more financial institutions or clearing systems, or their nominees, which Capitol will select. A financial institution or clearing system that Capitol selects for any security for this purpose is called the “depositary” for that security. A security will usually have only one depositary but it may have more. Each series of securities will have one or more of the following as the depositaries:

·	The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, which is known as “DTC;”

·	Euroclear System, which is known as “Euroclear;”

·	Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, Luxembourg, which is known as “Clearstream;” and

·	any other clearing system or financial institution named in the prospectus supplement.

The depositaries named above may also be participants in one another’s systems. Thus, for example, if DTC is the depositary for a global security, investors may hold beneficial interests in that security through Euroclear or Clearstream, as DTC participants. The depositary or depositaries for your securities will be named in your prospectus supplement; if none is named, the depositary will be DTC.

A global security may represent one or any other number of individual securities. Generally, all securities represented by the same global security will have the same terms. Capitol may, however, issue a global security that represents multiple securities of the same kind, such as warrants, that have different terms and are issued at different times. Capitol calls this kind of global security a master global security.

A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. Capitol describes those situations below under “— Holder’s Option to Obtain a Non-Global Security; Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated.” As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all securities represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only indirect interests in a global security. Indirect interests must be held by means of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary or with another institution that does. Thus, an investor whose security is represented by a global security will not be a holder of the security, but only an indirect owner of an interest in the global security.

If the prospectus supplement for a particular security indicates that the security will be issued in global form only, then the security will be represented by a global security at all times unless and until the global security is terminated. Capitol describes the situations in which this can occur below under “— Holder’s Option to Obtain a Non-Global Security; Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated.” If termination occurs, we may issue the securities through another book-entry clearing system or decide that the securities may no longer be held through any book-entry clearing system.

Special Considerations for Global Securities

As an indirect owner, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the depositary and those of the investor’s bank, broker, financial institution or other intermediary through which it holds its interest (e.g., Euroclear or Clearstream, if DTC is the depositary), as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize this type of investor or any intermediary as a holder of securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

If securities are issued only in the form of a global security, an investor should be aware of the following:

·	An investor cannot cause the securities to be registered in his or her own name, and cannot obtain non-global certificates for his or her interest in the securities, except in the special situations we describe below;

·	An investor will be an indirect holder and must look to his or her own bank, broker or other financial institution for payments on the securities and protection of his or her legal rights relating to the securities, as we describe above under “— Who Is the Legal Owner of a Registered Security?;”

·	An investor may not be able to sell interests in the securities to some insurance companies and other institutions that are required by law to own their securities in non-book-entry form;

·	An investor may not be able to pledge his or her interest in a global security in circumstances where certificates representing the securities must be delivered to the lender or other beneficiary of the pledge in order for the pledge to be effective;

The depositary’s policies will govern payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other matters relating to an investor’s interest in a global security, and those policies may change from time to time. We, the trustee and any warrant agents and unit agents will have no responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s policies, actions or records of ownership interests in a global security. We, the trustee and any warrant agents and unit agents also do not supervise the depositary in any way; and

·	The depositary may require that those who purchase and sell interests in a global security within its book-entry system use immediately available funds and your bank, broker or other financial institution may require you to do so as well.

Financial institutions that participate in the depositary’s book-entry system and through which an investor holds its interest in the global securities, directly or indirectly, may also have their own policies affecting payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other matters relating to the securities, and those policies may change from time to time. For example, if you hold an interest in a global security through Euroclear or Clearstream, when DTC is the depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, as applicable, may require those who purchase and sell interests in that security through them to use immediately available funds and comply with other policies and procedures, including deadlines for giving instructions as to transactions that are to be effected on a particular day. There may be more than one financial intermediary in the chain of ownership for an investor. We do not monitor and are not responsible for the policies or actions or records of ownership interests of any of those intermediaries.

Holder’s Option to Obtain a Non-Global Security; Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Terminated

If we issues any series of securities in book-entry form but we choose to give the beneficial owners of that series the right to obtain non-global securities, any beneficial owner entitled to obtain non-global securities may do so by following the applicable procedures of the depositary, any transfer agent or registrar for that series and that owner’s bank, broker or other financial institution through which that owner holds its beneficial interest in the securities. If you are entitled to request a non-global certificate and wish to do so, you will need to allow sufficient lead time to enable us or our agent to prepare the requested certificate.

In addition, in a few special situations described below, a global security will be terminated and interests in it will be exchanged for certificates in non-global form representing the securities it represented. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold the securities directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks, brokers or other financial institutions, to find out how to have their interests in a global security transferred on termination to their own names, so that they will be holders. We have described the rights of holders and street name investors above under “— Who Is the Legal Owner of a Registered Security?”

The special situations for termination of a global security are as follows:

·	if the depositary notifies us that it is unwilling, unable or no longer qualified to continue as depositary for that global security and we do not appoint another institution to act as depositary within 60 days;

·	if we notify the trustee, warrant agent or unit agent, as applicable, that we wish to terminate that global security; or

·	in the case of a global security representing warrants issued under an indenture, if an event of default has occurred with regard to these warrants and has not been cured or waived.

If a global security is terminated, only the depositary, and not we, the warrant agent for any warrants or the unit agent for any units, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions in whose names the securities represented by the global security will be registered and, therefore, who will be the holders of those securities.

Considerations Relating to DTC

DTC has informed Capitol that it is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that DTC participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among DTC participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in DTC participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations, and may include other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its DTC participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, LLC and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Indirect access to the DTC system also is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and DTC participants are on file with the SEC.

Purchases of securities within the DTC system must be made by or through DTC participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC’s records. Transfers of ownership interests in the securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners.

Redemption notices will be sent to DTC’s nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of the securities. If less than all of the securities are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the interest of each direct participant to be redeemed in accordance with its then current procedures.

In instances in which a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to the securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an omnibus proxy to the relevant trustee as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those direct participants to whose accounts such securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy).

Distribution payments on the securities will be made by the relevant trustee to DTC. DTC’s usual practice is to credit direct participants’ account on the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participants and not of DTC, the relevant trustee or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the relevant trustee, and disbursements of such payments to the beneficial owners are the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be accurate, but we assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. We do not have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants of their respective obligations as described herein or under the rules and procedures governing their respective operations.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

General

We may sell the securities being offered hereby in one or more of the following ways from time to time:

·	through agents to the public or to investors including in private placements;

·	to underwriters for resale to the public or to investors;

·	directly to investors; or

·	through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the terms of that particular offering of securities, including:

·	the name or names of any agents or underwriters;

·	the purchase price of the securities being offered and the proceeds we will receive from the sale;

·	any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

·	any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;

·	any initial public offering price;

·	any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

·	any securities exchanges or markets on which such securities may be listed.

Agents

We may designate agents who agree to use their reasonable efforts to solicit purchases of our securities for a period of their appointment or to sell our securities on a continuing basis.

Underwriters

If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may sell the securities directly or through underwriting syndicates by managing underwriters. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the shares will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. The underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the shares if they purchase any of the shares. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions the underwriters allow or reallow or pay to dealers. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe the nature of any such relationship in any prospectus supplement naming any such underwriter.

Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act” ), and any discounts or commissions they receive may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify in the applicable prospectus supplement any underwriters, dealers or agents and will describe their compensation.

We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against various civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute payments that the agents, underwriters,

dealers and remarketing firms may be required to make as a result of those civil liabilities. Underwriters, dealers and agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for us or our subsidiary companies in the ordinary course of their businesses. In connection with the distribution of the securities, we may enter into swap or other hedging transactions with, or arranged by, underwriters or agents or their affiliates. These underwriters or agents or their affiliates may receive compensation, trading gain or other benefits from these transactions.

Direct Sales

We may also sell shares directly to one or more purchasers without using underwriters or agents.

Stabilization Activities

Any underwriter may engage in overallotment, stabilizing transactions, short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Overallotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Short covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution is completed to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of these activities at any time.

Trading Markets and Listing of Securities

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than our common stock, which is listed on the NYSE. Any shares of common stock offered hereunder will be listed on the NYSE. We may elect to list any other class or series of securities on any additional exchange or market, but we are not obligated to do so unless stated otherwise in a prospectus supplement. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a class or series of securities offered by us, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot give any assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus.

General Information

The securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and terms of its agreement, if any, with us, and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the securities remarketed thereby.

CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS

Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, p.l.c. and Capitol’s General Counsel will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with the securities, and Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with Delaware law. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, p.l.c. has served as primary outside counsel for us and our subsidiaries and affiliates and may do so in the future. Counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with the securities for any underwriters or agents.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Capitol Bancorp as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been so

incorporated in reliance on the reports of BDO Seidman, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated herein by reference, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.