EXHIBIT 23.4

November 23, 2005

Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Center
200 Washington Square North, 4^th Floor
Lansing, Michigan 48933

     Re: First California Southern Bancorp

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Howe Barnes Investments, Inc. hereby consents to your including a copy of the fairness opinion in the proxy statement/prospectus with regards to First California Southern Bancorp and to the reference to this firm in the proxy statement/prospectus as financial advisor to First California Southern Bancorp and under the caption “Opinion of Financial Adviser”.

Very truly yours,
 

/s/ Thomas J. Maier  

Thomas J. Maier 

First Vice President and Managing Director