Capitol Bancorp Center
200 Washington Sq. North
Lansing, MI 48933

2777 East Camelback Road
Suite 375
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Media Contact:
Joal Redmond
Corporate Communications
602-977-3797

LANSING, Mich. and PHOENIX, Ariz.: October 4, 2006: Cristin Reid English, Chief Operating Officer of Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC), has been designated one of "25 Women to Watch" as part of U.S. Banker magazine's annual ranking of the "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking" for 2006. Reid English was selected for her progressive leadership and contribution to her company's overall performance.

"Cristin's leadership exemplifies our building to last corporate strategy," said Capitol Bancorp's Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid. "Her vision for the company's growth, her ability to develop creative solutions, and her skill at managing complex negotiations in a unique business model, have advanced the company's performance on all fronts."

More than 5,100 women were reviewed by the magazine's staff to determine the most influential honorees of 2006. The methodology used to determine the ranking includes weighted quantitative and qualitative factors, such as individual three-year financial performance, position and responsibility, job complexity, length of tenure, management style, charitable and philanthropic work, and overall influence within the institution and the industry.

"It is an honor to be included in a ranking with so many accomplished women," said Ms. Reid English. "This recognition speaks volumes about the quality of the Capitol Bancorp team and what we have accomplished together. Noting that 43 percent of our officers are women, this recognition is appropriately shared with all of our officers, irrespective of gender."

Ms. Reid English will be honored along with the other top 24 "Women to Watch in Banking" and the "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking" at a black tie gala on October 23, 2006, at The Pierre Hotel in New York City.

About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC) is a $3.7 billion national community bank development company, with a network of 48 separately chartered banks and bank operations in 14 states. Capitol Bancorp Limited identifies opportunities for the development of new community banks, raises capital for and mentors new community banks through their formative stages, and provides efficient services to its growing network of community banks. Each community bank has full local decision-making authority and is 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 Bancorp Limited has executive offices in Lansing, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona.