1


    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 5, 2001


                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-48962

                                                   REGISTRATION NO. 333-48962-01
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                            ------------------------


                                AMENDMENT NO. 2

                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3

            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                            ------------------------


                                                          
                      BAYLAKE CORP.                                           BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST I


            (Exact Name of Co-Registrants as Specified in Charters)


                                                                     
       WISCONSIN                 39-1268055                 DELAWARE                 39-6744087
    (State or Other           (I.R.S. Employer          (State or Other           (I.R.S. Employer
    Jurisdiction of        Identification Number)       Jurisdiction of        Identification Number)
    Incorporation or                                    Incorporation or
     Organization)                                       Organization)



                                                       
               217 NORTH FOURTH AVENUE                                     STEVEN D. JENNERJOHN
            STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN 54235                                       TREASURER
                    (920) 743-5551                                       217 NORTH FOURTH AVENUE
 (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,                  STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN 54235
  Including Area Code, of Co-Registrants' Principal                           (920) 743-5551
                  Executive Offices)                        (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone
                                                          Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service For
                                                                             Co-Registrants)


                                   COPIES TO


                                                       
                SCOTT J. LUEDKE, ESQ.                                     MATTHEW C. BOBA, ESQ.
                 JENKENS & GILCHRIST,                                       CHAPMAN AND CUTLER
              A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION                                  111 WEST MONROE STREET
             1445 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 3200                                CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
               DALLAS, TEXAS 75202-2799                                       (312) 845-2951
                    (214) 855-4500


                            ------------------------

    THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT THAT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2

         THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED.
         WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED
         WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS
         PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES, AND IT IS NOT
         SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE
         OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.


                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 5, 2001



                         1,200,000 PREFERRED SECURITIES

                            BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST I

                       % CUMULATIVE TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
                 LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $10 PER PREFERRED SECURITY
[BAYLAKE BANK LOGO]

               FULLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED,
          ON A SUBORDINATED BASIS, AS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, BY

                              [BAYLAKE CORP. LOGO]
                            ------------------------

     Baylake Capital Trust I is offering 1,200,000 preferred securities at $10
per security. The preferred securities represent an indirect interest in our   %
subordinated debentures. The debentures have the same payment terms as the
preferred securities and will be purchased by Baylake Capital Trust using the
proceeds from its offering of the preferred securities.

     The preferred securities are expected to be approved for trading on the
American Stock Exchange under the symbol "BYL.A." Trading is expected to
commence on or prior to delivery of the preferred securities.

                            ------------------------


     INVESTING IN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 12.

                            ------------------------

     THE PREFERRED SECURITIES ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS
OF ANY BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE BANK INSURANCE FUND OF THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.



                                                            PER PREFERRED
                                                              SECURITY         TOTAL
                                                            -------------   -----------
                                                                      
Public Offering Price.....................................     $10.00       $12,000,000
Proceeds to Baylake Capital Trust.........................     $10.00       $12,000,000


     This is a firm commitment underwriting. We will pay underwriting
commissions of $          per preferred security, or a total of $          , for
arranging the investment in our debentures. The underwriters have been granted a
30-day option to purchase up to an additional 180,000 preferred securities to
cover over-allotments, if any.

     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                         HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.

          , 2001
   3

 [MAP REFLECTING LOCATIONS OF BAYLAKE BANK'S OFFICES AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2000]

                                     [MAP]

                                        i
   4

                                    SUMMARY

     This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in, or incorporated
by reference into, this prospectus. Because this is a summary, it may not
contain all of the information that is important to you. Therefore, you should
also read the more detailed information set forth in this prospectus, our
financial statements and the other information that is incorporated by reference
in this prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this
prospectus assumes that the underwriters will not exercise their option to
purchase additional preferred securities to cover over-allotments.

                                 BAYLAKE CORP.

     Baylake Corp., a Wisconsin corporation organized in 1976, is a bank holding
company headquartered in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. We provide a variety of
financial services through our subsidiary bank, Baylake Bank, a Wisconsin state
bank and member of the Federal Reserve System. Baylake Bank was chartered in
1876.

     We conduct our community banking business through 25 financial centers
located throughout Northeast Wisconsin, in Brown, Door, Green Lake, Kewaunee,
Manitowoc, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Waushara Counties. Our largest presence is in
Door County, which is known for its seasonal tourism and tourism related
services, where our bank operates eight banking facilities. Other principal
industries in our market area include light industry and manufacturing,
agriculture, food related products, and to a lesser degree, lumber and
furniture. In the third quarter of 2000, our bank opened two new branches, one
in downtown Green Bay and another in Ashwaubenon, increasing to six the number
of our banking facilities located in Brown County, one of Wisconsin's primary
growth areas.

     Our bank is an independent community bank offering a full range of
financial services primarily to small businesses and individuals located in our
geographic market. To complement our bank's traditional banking products, such
as demand deposit accounts, various savings account plans, certificates of
deposit and real estate, consumer, commercial/industrial and agricultural loans,
our bank offers its customers a variety of services. These services include
transfer agency, personal and corporate trust, insurance agency, brokerage,
financial planning and electronic banking services.

     In addition to our banking operations, our bank owns four non-bank
subsidiaries: Baylake Investments, Inc., which manages certain assets of our
bank available for investment; Bank of Sturgeon Bay Building Corporation, which
owns the main office building, conference center facilities and underlying real
property of our bank; Cornerstone Financial, Inc., which manages the conference
center facilities; and Baylake Insurance Company, which offers various types of
insurance products to the general public as an independent agent. Our bank also
owns a minority interest in United Financial Services, Inc., a data processing
services company that provides data processing services to 20 banks and ATM
processing services to 50 banks.
                                        1
   5

                               FINANCIAL SUMMARY

     As reflected in the financial summary presented, over the last five years
we have achieved profitable growth while expanding our presence into markets
that we believe to be attractive. Since the end of 1995, we have opened six new
banking facilities and acquired six banking branches. The strategy of
establishing new branches requires a significant expenditure of capital and
additional expenses; generally, it takes from 36 to 60 months for new branches
to be profitable. As our new branches mature, we are able to reduce our cost of
funds by replacing expensive initial funding with lower yielding deposits.



                                              AS OF AND FOR THE
                                                 NINE MONTHS
                                                    ENDED
                                                SEPTEMBER 30,           AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                             -------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
                                               2000       1999       1999       1998       1997       1996       1995
                                             --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                                                          
Net income.................................  $  5,056   $  4,932   $  6,923   $  6,017   $  5,270   $  4,703   $  4,644
Earnings per share (diluted)...............      0.66       0.64       0.90       0.80       0.71       0.63       0.62
Total assets...............................   743,979    632,914    646,310    607,438    450,062    395,356    309,428
Total deposits.............................   547,717    502,290    504,074    495,284    345,976    327,165    266,980
Total shareholders' equity.................    50,267     46,142     46,210     45,272     41,855     39,234     36,275
Return on average total shareholders'
 equity(1).................................     14.10%     14.24%     15.07%     13.87%     13.14%     12.39%     13.43%
Number of banking facilities...............        25         23         23         22         17         17         13


- -------------------------

(1) Ratios for the nine-month periods are annualized.

                               OPERATING STRATEGY

     We directly compete with other financial institutions and businesses in
both attracting and retaining deposits and making loans. To remain competitive
within our markets, we have developed, and are committed to, an operating
strategy the key elements of which are:

     - FOCUSING ON PROFITABLE GROWTH.  We have historically grown through
       acquisitions and the opening of new branches. At the same time, we have
       increased our net income each year, achieving a compound annual growth
       rate of 10% from 1995 to 1999. We focus on and will continue to focus on
       increasing our return on shareholders' equity, which has increased from
       13.43% in 1995 to 14.10% for the nine months ended September 30, 2000.
       Start-up expenses associated with opening our four new banking facilities
       since January 1, 2000 have impacted our earnings. In July and August
       2000, we opened two new banking facilities in the Green Bay area, one in
       downtown Green Bay and another in Ashwaubenon. Additionally, in August
       2000, we replaced our facility in King, Wisconsin with a newer facility.
       In September 2000, we opened a new financial center in Kewaunee, which
       replaced a leased location in Kewaunee County and offers our customers
       added conveniences and services. As these new banking facilities mature,
       we expect them to have a positive impact on earnings through a reduction
       of funding costs and an increase in earning assets. We also own two
       additional properties for possible future growth. Although our current
       focus is on profitability, we will not ignore opportunities to add
       offices in areas consistent with our long range plans.

     - IMPLEMENTING NEW DELIVERY CHANNELS AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES.  To enhance
       customer convenience and product delivery, we recently announced 24-hour
       on-line
                                        2
   6

       banking through "eBanc." With "eBanc," customers can access a secure site
       to transfer funds, make loan payments, pay bills, review account balances
       and transactions in "real time," or contact bank personnel. We continue
       to emphasize efforts to attract customers to our website at
       www.baylake.com, which includes such features as on-line applications for
       deposit and loan products. Information on our website is not a part of
       this prospectus and should not be relied upon in making your decision
       whether to purchase the preferred securities described in this
       prospectus, as explained under "Information on our Website" below.

     - MAINTAINING A STRONG COMMUNITY FOCUS.  We are committed to local decision
       making and input. We strive to be a valuable partner in the communities
       we serve by establishing quality relationships with customers and local
       businesses. To help us keep a community focus, we have organized our 25
       offices into five geographic regions. Local lenders within each region
       are able to maintain close community ties, with many loan decisions being
       made locally. In addition, we have established local advisory boards in
       each region to ensure that we stay in touch with the financial needs of
       the communities we serve.

     - CONTINUING DIFFERENTIATION AS A LEADING SMALL BUSINESS BANK.  Because of
       the knowledge and expertise demonstrated by our commercial lenders, we
       are one of only a few banks in the State of Wisconsin to be recognized by
       the Small Business Administration as a "preferred lender." This
       designation allows our commercial lenders to approve SBA loans at the
       time of application, making responsiveness and quick turnaround time a
       part of the value-added service we provide to our customers. Because of
       this high level of service, we have been one of the leading SBA loan
       producers based on dollar volumes in the State of Wisconsin for the last
       four consecutive calendar years for which data is available. In addition
       to our commitment to provide loans to our commercial customers, we offer
       a selection of cash management products not generally available from a
       bank our size. We are also in a position to satisfy the financial needs
       of not only the business, but the business owner as well, by offering a
       broad and competitively priced line of retail loan and deposit products.

     - INCREASING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF DEPOSIT PRODUCTS AND IDENTIFYING OTHER
       SOURCES OF FUNDS TO SUPPORT LOAN GROWTH.  Currently, we offer demand
       deposit accounts, interest-bearing checking, savings and money market
       accounts, individual retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit. We
       will continue to emphasize the generation of additional core deposits
       through competitive pricing, expanded product offerings and new delivery
       channels. To supplement our traditional funding sources, we have borrowed
       from the Federal Home Loan Bank and anticipate taking advantage of other
       wholesale funding sources in the future.

INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE

     Information on our Internet website, including information about any of our
subsidiaries, is not part of this prospectus, and you should not rely on that
information unless that information is also in this document or in a document
that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

     Our principal executive offices are located at 217 North Fourth Avenue,
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235, and our telephone number is (920) 743-5551.
                                        3
   7

                            BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST I

     Baylake Capital Trust is a newly formed finance subsidiary of Baylake Corp.
Upon issuance of the preferred securities offered by this prospectus, the
purchasers in this offering will own all of the issued and outstanding preferred
securities of Baylake Capital Trust. In exchange for our capital contribution to
Baylake Capital Trust, we will own all of the common securities of Baylake
Capital Trust. Baylake Capital Trust exists exclusively for the following
purposes:

     - issuing and selling the preferred securities to the public for cash;

     - issuing and selling the common securities to us;

     - investing the proceeds from the sale of the preferred and common
       securities in an equivalent amount of      % subordinated debentures due
       March 31, 2031, to be issued by us; and

     - engaging in activities that are incidental to those listed above, such as
       receiving payments on the debentures, making distributions to security
       holders, furnishing notices and performing other administrative tasks.

     Baylake Capital Trust's address is 217 North Fourth Avenue, Sturgeon Bay,
Wisconsin 54235, and its telephone number is (920) 743-5551.

                                  THE OFFERING

The issuer......................    Baylake Capital Trust I.

Securities being offered........    1,200,000 preferred securities, which
                                    represent preferred undivided interests in
                                    the assets of Baylake Capital Trust. Those
                                    assets will consist solely of the debentures
                                    and payments received on the debentures.

                                    Baylake Capital Trust will sell the
                                    preferred securities to the public for cash.
                                    Baylake Capital Trust will use that cash to
                                    buy the debentures from us.

Offering price..................    $10 per preferred security.

When Baylake Capital Trust will
pay distributions to you........    Your purchase of the preferred securities
                                    entitles you to receive cumulative cash
                                    distributions at a      % annual rate.
                                    Distributions will accumulate from the date
                                    Baylake Capital Trust issues the preferred
                                    securities and are to be paid quarterly on
                                    March 31, June 30, September 30 and December
                                    31 of each year, beginning June 30, 2001. As
                                    long as the preferred securities are
                                    represented by a global security, the record
                                    date for distributions on the preferred
                                    securities will be the business day prior to
                                    the distribution date. We
                                        4
   8

                                    may defer the payment of cash distributions,
                                    as described below.

When Baylake Capital Trust must
  redeem the preferred
  securities....................    The debentures will mature and we must
                                    redeem the preferred securities on March 31,
                                    2031. We have the option, however, to
                                    shorten the maturity date to a date not
                                    earlier than March 31, 2006. We will not
                                    shorten the maturity date unless we have
                                    received the prior approval of the Board of
                                    Governors of the Federal Reserve System, if
                                    required by law or regulation.

Redemption of the preferred
  securities before March 31,
  2031 is possible..............    Baylake Capital Trust must redeem the
                                    preferred securities when the debentures are
                                    paid at maturity or upon any earlier
                                    redemption of the debentures to the extent
                                    the debentures are redeemed. We may redeem
                                    all or part of the debentures at any time on
                                    or after March 31, 2006.

                                    In addition, we may redeem, at any time, all
                                    of the debentures if:

                                    - existing laws or regulations, or the
                                      interpretation or application of these
                                      laws or regulations, change, causing the
                                      interest we pay on the debentures to no
                                      longer be deductible by us for federal
                                      income tax purposes; or causing Baylake
                                      Capital Trust to become subject to federal
                                      income tax or to certain other taxes or
                                      governmental charges;

                                    - existing laws or regulations change,
                                      requiring Baylake Capital Trust to
                                      register as an investment company; or

                                    - the capital adequacy guidelines of the
                                      Federal Reserve change so that the
                                      preferred securities no longer qualify as
                                      Tier 1 capital.

                                    We may also redeem the debentures at any
                                    time, and from time to time, in an amount
                                    equal to the liquidation amount of any
                                    preferred securities we purchase, plus a
                                    proportionate amount of common securities,
                                    but only in exchange for a like amount of
                                    the preferred securities and common
                                    securities that we then own.

                                    Redemption of the debentures prior to
                                    maturity will be subject to the prior
                                    approval of the Federal Reserve, if approval
                                    is then required by law or
                                        5
   9

                                    regulation. If your preferred securities are
                                    redeemed by Baylake Capital Trust, you will
                                    receive the liquidation amount of $10 per
                                    preferred security, plus any accrued and
                                    unpaid distributions to the date of
                                    redemption.

We have the option to extend the
  interest payment period.......    Baylake Capital Trust will rely solely on
                                    payments made by us under the debentures to
                                    pay distributions on the preferred
                                    securities. As long as we are not in default
                                    under the indenture relating to the
                                    debentures, we may, at one or more times,
                                    defer interest payments on the debentures
                                    for up to 20 consecutive quarters, but not
                                    beyond March 31, 2031. If we defer interest
                                    payments on the debentures:

                                    - Baylake Capital Trust will also defer
                                      distributions on the preferred securities;

                                    - the distributions you are entitled to will
                                      accumulate; and

                                    - these accumulated distributions will earn
                                      interest at an annual rate of   %,
                                      compounded quarterly, until paid.

                                    At the end of any deferral period, we will
                                    pay to Baylake Capital Trust all accrued and
                                    unpaid interest under the debentures.
                                    Baylake Capital Trust will then pay all
                                    accumulated and unpaid distributions to you.

You will still be taxed if
distributions on the preferred
  securities are deferred.......    If a deferral of payment occurs, you must
                                    recognize the amount of the deferred
                                    distributions as income for United States
                                    federal income tax purposes in advance of
                                    receiving the actual cash distributions,
                                    even if you are a cash basis taxpayer.

Our full and unconditional
guarantee of payment............    Our obligations described in this
                                    prospectus, in the aggregate, constitute a
                                    full, irrevocable and unconditional
                                    guarantee on a subordinated basis by us of
                                    the obligations of Baylake Capital Trust
                                    under the preferred securities. Under the
                                    guarantee agreement, we guarantee that
                                    Baylake Capital Trust will use its assets to
                                    pay the distributions on the preferred
                                    securities and the liquidation amount upon
                                    liquidation of Baylake Capital Trust.
                                    However, the guarantee does not apply when
                                    Baylake Capital Trust does not have
                                    sufficient
                                        6
   10

                                    funds to make the payments. If we do not
                                    make payments on the debentures, Baylake
                                    Capital Trust will not have sufficient funds
                                    to make payments on the preferred
                                    securities. In this event, your remedy is to
                                    institute a legal proceeding directly
                                    against us for enforcement of payments under
                                    the debentures.

We may distribute the debentures
  directly to you...............    We may, at any time, dissolve Baylake
                                    Capital Trust and distribute the debentures
                                    to you, subject to the prior approval of the
                                    Federal Reserve, if required by law or
                                    regulation. If we distribute the debentures,
                                    we will use our best efforts to list them on
                                    a national securities exchange or comparable
                                    automated quotation system.

How the securities will rank in
right of payment................    Our obligations under the preferred
                                    securities, debentures and guarantee are
                                    unsecured and will rank as follows with
                                    regard to right of payment:

                                    - the preferred securities will rank equally
                                      with the common securities of Baylake
                                      Capital Trust. Baylake Capital Trust will
                                      pay distributions on the preferred
                                      securities and the common securities pro
                                      rata. However, if we default with respect
                                      to the debentures, then no distributions
                                      on the common securities of Baylake
                                      Capital Trust or our common stock will be
                                      paid until all accumulated and unpaid
                                      distributions on the preferred securities
                                      have been paid;

                                    - our obligations under the debentures and
                                      the guarantee are unsecured and generally
                                      will rank junior in priority to our
                                      existing and future senior and
                                      subordinated indebtedness; and

                                    - because we are a holding company, the
                                      debentures and the guarantee will
                                      effectively be subordinated to all
                                      depositors' claims, as well as existing
                                      and future liabilities of our
                                      subsidiaries.

Voting rights of the preferred
  securities....................    Except in limited circumstances, holders of
                                    the preferred securities will have no voting
                                    rights.

Proposed American Stock Exchange
  symbol........................    BYL.A

You will not receive
certificates....................    The preferred securities will be represented
                                    by a global security that will be deposited
                                    with and registered in the name of The
                                    Depository Trust Company, New York, New
                                    York, or its nominee.
                                        7
   11

                                    As a result, you will not receive a
                                    certificate for the preferred securities,
                                    and your beneficial ownership interests will
                                    be recorded through the DTC book-entry
                                    system.

How the proceeds of this
offering will be used...........    Baylake Capital Trust will invest all of the
                                    proceeds from the sale of the preferred
                                    securities in the debentures. We estimate
                                    that the net proceeds to us from the sale of
                                    the debentures to Baylake Capital Trust,
                                    after deducting underwriting expenses and
                                    commissions, will be approximately $11.2
                                    million. We expect to use approximately $7.8
                                    million of the net proceeds from the sale of
                                    the debentures to repay holding company
                                    debt. We will use the remaining net proceeds
                                    to provide capital contributions to our bank
                                    and its operating subsidiaries, to support
                                    future growth and for general corporate
                                    purposes.


     Before purchasing the preferred securities being offered, you should
carefully consider the "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12.

                                        8
   12

                 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

     The following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial
information and other data. Our consolidated financial statements for the five
years ended December 31, 1999 have been audited by Smith & Gesteland, LLP,
independent accountants. The summary data presented below for the nine-month
periods ended September 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999 are derived from
unaudited financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated
herein by reference. Results for the nine-month periods are unaudited but in the
opinion of management reflect all necessary adjustments for a fair presentation
of results as of the dates and for the periods covered. Results for past periods
are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for future
periods, and results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2000 are not
necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year
ending December 31, 2000.



                                        AS OF AND FOR THE
                                           NINE MONTHS
                                              ENDED
                                          SEPTEMBER 30,           AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       -------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
                                         2000       1999       1999       1998       1997       1996       1995
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                                                    
SELECTED INCOME DATA:
Total interest income................  $ 41,017   $ 34,390   $ 46,467   $ 38,061   $ 31,577   $ 26,926   $ 24,487
Total interest expense...............    23,086     17,089     23,280     19,148     14,662     12,046     10,131
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net interest income..................    17,931     17,301     23,187     18,913     16,915     14,880     14,356
Provision for loan losses............       330        538        850      1,135      1,115        400        250
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net interest income after provision
  for loan losses....................    17,601     16,763     22,337     17,778     15,800     14,480     14,106
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Non-interest income:
  Gain on sale of loans..............       139        256        295        893        678        212         26
  Loan servicing fees................       582        618        875        846        731        674        505
  Trust fees.........................       389        430        553        451        491        611        394
  Service charges on deposit
    accounts.........................     1,109      1,010      1,369      1,074        844        743        627
  Securities gains, net..............         0          0         (2)         0        292         38          4
  Other..............................     1,088        933      1,466      1,113      1,032      1,173      1,025
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total non-interest income............     3,307      3,247      4,556      4,377      4,068      3,451      2,581
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Non-interest expense:
  Salaries and employee benefits.....     7,852      7,211      9,700      7,772      7,003      6,270      5,391
  Occupancy expense, net.............     2,198      1,872      2,668      2,192      2,035      1,732      1,322
  Data processing....................       686        640        872        699        642        548        514
  Other non-interest expense.........     2,982      3,244      4,247      3,213      2,861      2,927      2,751
  Operation of other real estate.....       (70)         9       (117)        15         30       (188)       (84)
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Total non-interest expense...........    13,648     12,976     17,370     13,891     12,571     11,289      9,894
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income before income tax.............     7,260      7,034      9,523      8,264      7,297      6,642      6,793
Income tax provision.................     2,204      2,102      2,600      2,247      2,027      1,939      2,149
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income...........................  $  5,056   $  4,932   $  6,923   $  6,017   $  5,270   $  4,703   $  4,644
                                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
PER SHARE DATA:(1)
Net income per share (basic).........  $   0.68   $   0.67   $   0.94   $   0.82   $   0.72   $   0.64   $   0.63
Net income per share (diluted).......      0.66       0.64       0.90       0.80       0.71       0.63       0.62
Cash dividends per common share......      0.30       0.27       0.37       0.47       0.40       0.31       0.38
Book value per share.................      6.75       6.21       6.21       6.17       5.71       5.32       4.93

SELECTED FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA (AT
  END OF PERIOD):
Total assets.........................  $743,979   $632,914   $646,310   $607,438   $450,062   $395,356   $309,428
Investment securities(2).............   147,954    147,978    145,080    128,046    114,899     99,138     75,611
Total loans..........................   532,319    433,821    447,767    408,921    293,438    260,854    210,230
Total deposits.......................   547,717    502,290    504,074    495,284    345,976    327,165    266,980
Borrowings(3)........................   130,966     77,602     89,231     56,758     56,649     23,840      1,528
Notes payable and subordinated
  debt...............................     8,011        264        264        392        383        422        475
Total shareholders' equity...........    50,267     46,142     46,210     45,272     41,855     39,234     36,275


                                        9
   13



                                        AS OF AND FOR THE
                                           NINE MONTHS
                                              ENDED
                                          SEPTEMBER 30,           AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       -------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
                                         2000       1999       1999       1998       1997       1996       1995
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                                                                    
PERFORMANCE RATIOS:(4)
Return on average total assets.......      0.97%      1.08%      1.12%      1.21%      1.29%      1.34%      1.56%
Return on average total shareholders'
  equity.............................     14.10      14.24      15.07      13.87      13.14      12.39      13.43
Net interest margin(5)...............      3.96       4.37       4.35       4.42       4.77       4.97       5.38
Net interest spread(5)...............      3.47       3.91       3.89       3.85       4.12       4.36       4.56
Non-interest income to average
  assets.............................      0.64       0.71       0.74       0.88       1.00       0.98       0.86
Non-interest expense to average
  assets.............................      2.63       2.84       2.82       2.79       3.08       3.20       3.31
Net overhead ratio(6)................      1.99       2.13       2.08       1.91       2.08       2.22       2.45
Average loan-to-average deposit
  ratio..............................     95.63      86.06      85.54      86.28      83.14      78.44      79.05
Average interest-earning assets to
  average interest-bearing
  liabilities........................    110.12     111.42     111.14     113.63     116.51     115.83     122.46

ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:(4)(7)(8)
Non-performing loans to total
  loans..............................      2.33%      2.92%      2.80%      3.45%      1.58%      1.79%      0.71%
Allowance for loan losses to:
  Total loans........................      1.53       1.89       1.70       2.71       1.32       1.11       1.24
  Non-performing loans...............     65.48      62.92      60.67      78.33      83.46      61.86     175.17
Net charge-offs to average loans.....     (0.04)      0.60       0.80       0.14       0.05       0.10       0.08
Non-performing assets to total
  assets.............................      1.74       2.09       1.95       2.41       1.03       1.27       0.60

CAPITAL RATIOS:(4)(9)
Shareholders' equity to assets.......      6.76%      7.29%      7.15%      7.45%      9.30%      9.92%     11.72%
Tier 1 risk-based capital............      8.01       8.43       8.81       7.97      11.31      12.14      16.71
Total risk-based capital.............      9.26       9.69      10.07       9.22      12.52      13.18      17.92
Leverage ratio.......................      6.35       6.52       6.79       6.02       8.86       9.63      12.09

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
  CHARGES:(10)
Including deposit interest...........      1.31x      1.41x      1.41x      1.43x      1.50x      1.55x      1.67x
Excluding deposit interest...........      2.21       3.78       3.55       3.44       5.24      10.83      24.34

OTHER DATA AT END OF PERIOD:
Number of bank subsidiaries..........         1          1          1          2          1          1          2
Number of banking facilities.........        25         23         23         22         17         17         13


- -------------------------
 (1) Earnings and dividends per share are based on the weighted average number
     of shares outstanding for the period. All per share data has been adjusted
     to reflect (a) a 2 for 1 stock dividend paid on November 15, 1999, and (b)
     a 3 for 2 stock dividend paid on May 15, 1998.

 (2) Includes securities classified as held-to-maturity and available for sale.

 (3) Consists of Federal Home Loan Bank advances, federal funds purchased and
     collateralized borrowings.

 (4) Ratios for the nine-month periods have been annualized.

 (5) Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of
     average interest-earning assets, and net interest rate spread represents
     the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning
     assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

 (6) Net overhead ratio represents the difference between noninterest expense
     and noninterest income, divided by average assets.

 (7) Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans, guaranteed loans 90 days
     or more past due but still accruing interest and restructured loans.

 (8) The increases in non-performing loans culminating with the period ended
     December 31, 1998 were due, in part, to various troubled loans acquired as
     a result of the Evergreen Bank acquisition. For additional information, see
     "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations" and the section titled "Non-performing Loans, Potential Problem
     Loans and Other Real Estate" incorporated by reference into this prospectus
     from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
     1999, and from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended
     September 30, 2000.

 (9) The capital ratios are presented on a consolidated basis. For information
     on our and our bank's regulatory capital requirements, see "Management's
     Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations --
     Capital Resources" and "Business -- Regulation and Supervision"
     incorporated by reference into this prospectus from our Annual Report on
     Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, and from our
     Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

(10) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
     earnings consist of income before taxes plus interest and rent expense.
     Fixed charges consist of interest and rent expense.
                                       10
   14


                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS



     On January 31, 2001, we issued a press release reporting our unaudited
financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2000. These
results, which are summarized below, were reported by us in a Current Report on
Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on February 5, 2001. See "Documents Incorporated
by Reference" on page 64.



     The increase in our assets and loans during the year ended December 31,
2000 reflects growth that we have enjoyed since 1995. Total assets increased by
19.4% to $771.8 million at December 31, 2000, compared to our total assets of
$646.3 million at December 31, 1999. Total loans increased 24.3% during 2000 to
$555.5 million at December 31, 2000, while deposits during the year increased
9.8% to $553.3 million. Total shareholders' equity increased 15.0% to $53.1
million at December 31, 2000 as compared with $46.2 million at December 31,
1999.



     For the three months ended December 31, 2000, we reported net income of
$1.7 million, compared to $2.0 million for the same period in the prior year, a
decrease primarily attributable to increases in noninterest expense, including
personnel and benefit expense, advertising, supplies and other miscellaneous
expense stemming from our expansion efforts. Net income for the twelve months
ended December 31, 2000 was $6.7 million, as compared to $6.9 million for the
twelve months ended December 31, 1999. During the year ended December 31, 2000,
net interest income increased to $23.9 million due primarily to average
interest-earning assets increasing by $86.7 million. Net interest margin
decreased by 47 basis points to 3.88% during 2000, the result of higher cost of
funding from deposits and other wholesale funding such as federal funds
purchased and loans from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Our return on average
assets and on average equity for the year ended December 31, 2000, were 0.88%
and 12.83%, respectively.



     Our provision for loan losses decreased $305,000 to $545,000 for the year
ended December 31, 2000, as compared to the prior year, and the allowance
decreased $605,000 to $7.6 million during the year. The ratio of allowance for
loan losses to total loans was 1.26% at December 31, 2000, compared to 1.70% at
December 31, 1999. Non-performing loans totaled $13.0 million and $12.5 million
at December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively, and the ratio of our
allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 53.7% and 60.7% at
December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively. Nonperforming assets as a
percent of total assets equaled 1.80% at December 31, 2000, a slight decline
from the 1.95% at December 31, 1999. Net charge-offs for the year equaled 0.23%
of average loans, compared to 0.80% for the year ended December 31, 1999.



     During the fourth quarter of 2000, non-performing loans increased $638,000,
and we charged off net loans of $1.3 million as a result of further collateral
evaluation. Despite the loan charge-offs and the increase in non-performing
assets during the fourth quarter of 2000, we believe the balance of the
allowance for loan loss at December 31, 2000 is presently sufficient to absorb
loan losses inherent in the portfolio, although future adjustments to the
allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions and the
impact that these changes, if any, may have on the ability of our borrowers to
continue to service or repay outstanding credits and on the value of the
underlying collateral securing these credits.

                                       11
   15

                                  RISK FACTORS

     An investment in the preferred securities involves a number of risks. Some
of these risks relate to the preferred securities and others relate to us and
the financial services industry, generally. We urge you to read all of the
information contained in this prospectus. In addition, we urge you to consider
carefully the following factors in evaluating an investment in Baylake Capital
Trust before you purchase the preferred securities offered by this prospectus.

     Because Baylake Capital Trust will rely on the payments it receives on the
debentures from us to fund all payments on the preferred securities, and because
Baylake Capital Trust may distribute the debentures in exchange for the
preferred securities, purchasers of the preferred securities are making an
investment decision that relates to the debentures being issued by us as well as
the preferred securities. Purchasers should carefully review the information in
the prospectus about the preferred securities, the debentures and the guarantee.

                RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN BAYLAKE CORP.

WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT SUCCESSFULLY OUR STRATEGY TO ENTER NEW MARKETS.

     Among other matters, our strategic plan includes expansion into new markets
by establishing new branches. The establishment of such branches requires a
significant expenditure of capital in order to prepare the facilities for
operation, and additional overhead expense in order to staff these new
facilities. Based on our experience, management believes that it generally takes
from 36 to 60 months for new branches to first achieve operational
profitability. This lag in profitability is due primarily to the impact of
organizational and overhead expenses and the start-up phase of generating
deposits. As our new branches mature, we are able to reduce our cost of funds by
replacing expensive initial funding with lower yielding deposits. During the
third quarter of 2000, we expanded our presence in the Green Bay, Wisconsin
banking market through the establishment of two new branches, and we may
undertake additional branch openings in the future in order to expand into
additional communities in Wisconsin.

     While our branches in Green Bay are generating loan and deposit activity
consistent with our projections, we may encounter unanticipated difficulties
that could adversely affect future profitability. In addition, we cannot assure
you that we will be able to successfully operate and manage our operations in
new markets or recover our initial capital investment in such operations.
Start-up costs associated with the establishment of new branches may impact our
earnings. To the extent that we undertake additional branching, we are likely to
continue to experience the effects of higher operating expenses relative to
operating income from the new branches.

OUR CONTINUED PACE OF GROWTH MAY REQUIRE US TO RAISE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL IN THE
FUTURE, BUT THAT CAPITAL MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE WHEN IT IS NEEDED.

     We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain
adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We anticipate that our
existing capital resources and the net proceeds from the sale of preferred
securities in this offering will satisfy our immediately foreseeable capital
requirements. To the extent we continue to expand our asset base, primarily
through loan growth, we will be required to support such growth by increasing
our capital to acceptable regulatory levels. Based on historical trends, the net

                                       12
   16

proceeds of this offering may be insufficient to fund our continued rate of loan
growth beyond a twelve-month period. Accordingly, we may need to raise
additional capital in the future to support continued asset growth. We may
accomplish this capital raising through the sale of additional securities of
Baylake Corp., including the issuance of additional shares of our common stock.
In the alternative, we could slow the rate of our growth and reduce our assets.

     Our ability to raise additional capital if we need it to support loan
growth in the future will depend on conditions in the capital markets, which are
outside of our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot
assure you of our ability to raise additional capital when needed or on
favorable terms. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, we will be
subject to increased regulatory supervision and the imposition of restrictions
on our growth and our business, which could negatively impact our ability to
further expand our operations through acquisitions or the establishment of
additional branches and which could result in increases in operating expenses
and reductions in revenues that would harm our operating results.

WE RELY HEAVILY ON OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM, AND THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF KEY MANAGERS
MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR OPERATIONS.

     Much of our success to date has been influenced strongly by our ability to
attract and to retain senior management experienced in banking and financial
services. Our ability to retain executive officers and the current management
team of our bank will continue to be important to the successful implementation
of our strategies. It is also critical, as we grow, to be able to attract and
retain qualified additional senior and middle management. We currently maintain
key-man life insurance policies for certain individuals in amounts which we deem
appropriate. The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel, or
the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could
have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.

OUR ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES MAY PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO ABSORB POTENTIAL
LOSSES IN OUR LOAN PORTFOLIO.

     We established our allowance for loan losses in consultation with
management of our bank subsidiary and maintain it at a level considered adequate
by management to absorb loan losses that are inherent in the portfolio. The
amount of future loan losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating
and other conditions, including changes in interest rates, that may be beyond
our control, and such losses may exceed current estimates. At September 30,
2000, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.53% and
as a percentage of total non-performing loans was 65.5%. Although management
believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb losses on any
existing loans that may become uncollectible, we cannot predict loan losses with
certainty, and we cannot assure you that our allowance for loan losses will
prove sufficient to cover actual loan losses in the future. Loan losses in
excess of our reserves may adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.

OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO CREDIT RISKS.

     Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to their terms, and
the collateral securing their loans, if any, may not have a value equal to
amounts owed under their loans. A substantial portion of the loans made by our
bank is secured by real estate. Adverse developments affecting real estate in
one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our
loan portfolio.

                                       13
   17


           RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE PREFERRED SECURITIES


IF WE DO NOT MAKE INTEREST PAYMENTS UNDER THE DEBENTURES, BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST
WILL BE UNABLE TO PAY DISTRIBUTIONS AND LIQUIDATION AMOUNTS. OUR GUARANTEE WILL
NOT APPLY BECAUSE THE GUARANTEE COVERS PAYMENTS ONLY IF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST
HAS FUNDS AVAILABLE.

     Baylake Capital Trust will depend solely on our payments on the debentures
to pay amounts due to you on the preferred securities. If we default on our
obligation to pay the principal or interest on the debentures, Baylake Capital
Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions or the liquidation
amount on the preferred securities. In that case, you will not be able to rely
on the guarantee for payment of these amounts because the guarantee only applies
if Baylake Capital Trust has sufficient funds to make distributions on or to pay
the liquidation amount of the preferred securities. Instead, you or the property
trustee will have to institute a direct action against us to enforce the
property trustee's rights under the indenture relating to the debentures.

TO THE EXTENT WE MUST RELY ON DIVIDENDS FROM OUR SUBSIDIARIES TO MAKE INTEREST
PAYMENTS ON THE DEBENTURES TO BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST, OUR AVAILABLE CASH FLOW MAY
BE RESTRICTED AND DISTRIBUTIONS MAY BE DEFERRED.

     We are a holding company and substantially all of our assets are held by
our direct and indirect subsidiaries. Our ability to make payments on the
debentures when due will depend primarily on available cash resources at the
bank holding company level and dividends from our direct and indirect
subsidiaries. Dividend payments or extensions of credit from our banking
subsidiary are subject to regulatory limitations, generally based on capital
levels and current and retained earnings, imposed by the various regulatory
agencies with authority over such subsidiary. The ability of our banking
subsidiary to pay dividends is also subject to its profitability, financial
condition, capital expenditures and other cash flow requirements. We cannot
assure you that our direct and indirect subsidiaries will be able to pay
dividends in the future.

THE DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE RANK LOWER THAN MOST OF OUR OTHER INDEBTEDNESS,
AND OUR HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE EFFECTIVELY SUBORDINATES ANY CLAIMS AGAINST US
TO THOSE OF OUR SUBSIDIARIES' CREDITORS.

     Our obligations under the debentures and the guarantee are unsecured and
will rank junior in priority of payment to our existing and future senior and
subordinated indebtedness. As of September 30, 2000, we had approximately $8.0
million outstanding principal amount of existing senior and subordinated
indebtedness. The issuance of the debentures and the preferred securities does
not limit our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional
indebtedness, guarantees or other liabilities.

     Because we are a holding company, the creditors of Baylake Bank, including
depositors, also will have priority over you in any distribution of Baylake
Bank's assets in liquidation, reorganization or otherwise. Accordingly, the
debentures and the guarantee will be effectively subordinated to all existing
and future liabilities of our direct and indirect subsidiaries, and you should
look only to our assets for payments on the preferred securities and the
debentures.

WE MAY DEFER INTEREST PAYMENTS ON THE DEBENTURES FOR SUBSTANTIAL PERIODS, WHICH
COULD HAVE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOU.

     We may, at one or more times, defer interest payments on the debentures for
up to 20 consecutive quarters. If we defer interest payments on the debentures,
Baylake Capital

                                       14
   18

Trust will defer distributions on the preferred securities during any deferral
period. During a deferral period, you will be required to recognize as income
for federal income tax purposes the amount approximately equal to the interest
that accrues on your proportionate share of the debentures held by Baylake
Capital Trust in the tax year in which that interest accrues, even though you
will not receive these amounts until a later date.

     You will also not receive the cash related to any accrued and unpaid
interest from Baylake Capital Trust if you sell the preferred securities before
the end of any deferral period. During a deferral period, accrued but unpaid
distributions will increase your tax basis in the preferred securities. If you
sell the preferred securities during a deferral period, your increased tax basis
will decrease the amount of any capital gain or increase the amount of any
capital loss that you may have otherwise realized on the sale. A capital loss,
except in certain limited circumstances, cannot be applied to offset ordinary
income. As a result, deferral of distributions could result in ordinary income,
and a related tax liability for the holder, and a capital loss that may only be
used to offset a capital gain.

     We do not currently intend to exercise our right to defer interest payments
on the debentures. However, in the event of a deferral period, the market price
of the preferred securities would likely be adversely affected. The preferred
securities may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the value of accrued
but unpaid interest on the debentures. If you sell the preferred securities
during a deferral period, you may not receive the same return on investment as
someone who continues to hold the preferred securities. Due to our right to
defer interest payments, the market price of the preferred securities may be
more volatile than the market prices of other securities without the deferral
feature.

REGULATORS MAY PRECLUDE US FROM MAKING DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE DEBENTURES IN THE
EVENT OUR REGULATORY CAPITAL, LIQUIDITY OR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE DETERIORATES.


     We and our subsidiaries are subject to extensive federal and state law,
regulation and supervision. Our regulators monitor our financial condition on a
periodic basis and may impose limitations on our operations and business
activities under various circumstances. In response to any perceived
deficiencies in liquidity or regulatory capital levels, our regulators may
require us to obtain their consent prior to paying dividends on our capital
stock or interest on the debentures. In the event our regulators withheld their
consent to our payment of interest on the debentures, we would exercise our
right to defer interest payments on the debentures, and Baylake Capital Trust
would not have funds available to make distributions on the preferred securities
during this deferral period. This action by our regulators may or may not be
taken in conjunction with similar restrictions on the ability of our
subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See "-- To the extent we must rely on
dividends from our subsidiaries to make interest payments on the debentures to
Baylake Capital Trust, our available cash flow may be restricted and
distributions may be deferred" on page 14. The commencement of a deferral period
with respect to interest on the debentures and, accordingly, distributions on
the preferred securities, would likely cause the market price of the preferred
securities to decline. See "-- We may defer interest payments on the debentures
for substantial periods, which could have adverse consequences for you"
beginning on page 14.


                                       15
   19

WE HAVE MADE ONLY LIMITED COVENANTS IN THE INDENTURE AND THE TRUST AGREEMENT,
WHICH MAY NOT PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE EVENT WE EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT
ADVERSE CHANGES IN OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

     The indenture governing the debentures and the trust agreement governing
Baylake Capital Trust do not require us to maintain any financial ratios or
specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity, and
therefore do not protect holders of the debentures or the preferred securities
in the event we experience significant adverse changes in our financial
condition or results of operations. In addition, neither the indenture nor the
trust agreement limits our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur
additional indebtedness. Therefore, you should not consider the provisions of
these governing instruments as a significant factor in evaluating whether we
will be able to comply with our obligations under the debentures or the
guarantee.

IN THE EVENT WE REDEEM THE DEBENTURES BEFORE MARCH 31, 2031, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE
TO REINVEST YOUR PRINCIPAL AT THE SAME OR A HIGHER RATE OF RETURN.

     Under the following circumstances, we may redeem the debentures before
their stated maturity:

     - We may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at any time on or
       after March 31, 2006.

     - We may redeem the debentures in whole, but not in part, within 180 days
       after certain occurrences at any time during the life of Baylake Capital
       Trust. These occurrences may include adverse tax, investment company or
       bank regulatory developments. See "Description of the
       Debentures -- Redemption" on page 42.

     You should assume that we will exercise our redemption option if we are
able to obtain capital at a lower cost than we must pay on the debentures or if
it is otherwise in our interest to redeem the debentures. If the debentures are
redeemed, Baylake Capital Trust must redeem preferred securities having an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of
debentures redeemed, and you may be required to reinvest your principal at a
time when you may not be able to earn a return that is as high as you were
earning on the preferred securities.

WE CAN DISTRIBUTE THE DEBENTURES TO YOU, WHICH MAY HAVE ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES
FOR YOU AND WHICH MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF THE PREFERRED
SECURITIES PRIOR TO SUCH DISTRIBUTION.

     Baylake Capital Trust may be dissolved at any time before maturity of the
debentures on March 31, 2031. As a result, and subject to the terms of the trust
agreement, the trustees may distribute the debentures to you.

     We cannot predict the market prices for the debentures that may be
distributed in exchange for preferred securities upon liquidation of Baylake
Capital Trust. The preferred securities, or the debentures that you may receive
if Baylake Capital Trust is liquidated, may trade at a discount to the price
that you paid to purchase the preferred securities. Because you may receive
debentures, your investment decision with regard to the preferred securities
will also be an investment decision with regard to the debentures. You should
carefully review all of the information contained in this prospectus regarding
the debentures.

                                       16
   20

     Under current interpretations of United States federal income tax laws
supporting classification of Baylake Capital Trust as a grantor trust for tax
purposes, a distribution of the debentures to you upon the dissolution of
Baylake Capital Trust would not be a taxable event to you. Nevertheless, if
Baylake Capital Trust is classified for United States income tax purposes as an
association taxable as a corporation at the time it is dissolved, the
distribution of the debentures would be a taxable event to you. In addition, if
there is a change in law, a distribution of debentures upon the dissolution of
Baylake Capital Trust could be a taxable event to you.

YOU ARE SUBJECT TO REPAYMENT RISK BECAUSE POSSIBLE TAX LAW CHANGES COULD RESULT
IN A REDEMPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES.

     Future legislation may be enacted that could adversely affect our ability
to deduct our interest payments on the debentures for federal income tax
purposes, making early redemption of the debentures likely and resulting in
redemption of the preferred securities.

     From time to time, Congress has proposed federal income tax law changes
that would, among other things, generally deny interest deductions to a
corporate issuer if the debt instrument has a term exceeding 15 years and if the
debt instrument is not reflected as indebtedness on the issuer's consolidated
balance sheet. Other proposed tax law changes would have denied interest
deductions if the debt instrument had a term exceeding 20 years. These proposals
were not enacted into law. Although it is impossible to predict whether future
proposals of this nature will be introduced and enacted with application to
already issued and outstanding securities, in the future we could be precluded
from deducting interest on the debentures in this event. Enactment of this type
of proposal might in turn give rise to a tax event as described under
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Redemption or Exchange -- Redemption
upon a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event" beginning
on page 28.

TRADING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES MAY CREATE ADVERSE TAX
CONSEQUENCES FOR YOU.

     The preferred securities may trade at a price that does not reflect the
value of accrued but unpaid interest on the underlying debentures. If you
dispose of your preferred securities between record dates for distributions on
the preferred securities, you may have adverse tax consequences. Under these
circumstances, you will be required to include accrued but unpaid interest on
the debentures allocable to the preferred securities through the date of
disposition in your income as ordinary income if you use the accrual method of
accounting or if this interest represents original issue discount.

     If interest on the debentures is included in income under the original
issue discount provisions, you would add this amount to your adjusted tax basis
in your share of the underlying debentures deemed disposed. If your selling
price is less than your adjusted tax basis, which will include all accrued but
unpaid original issue discount interest included in your income, you could
recognize a capital loss which, subject to limited exceptions, cannot be applied
to offset ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. See "Material Federal
Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 55, for more information on possible
adverse tax consequences to you.

                                       17
   21

THERE IS NO CURRENT PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE PREFERRED SECURITIES, AND THEIR MARKET
PRICE MAY DECLINE AFTER YOU INVEST.

     There is currently no public market for the preferred securities. Although
we have applied to have the preferred securities listed for trading on the
American Stock Exchange, there is no guarantee that an active or liquid trading
market will develop for the preferred securities or that the listing of the
preferred securities will continue on the American Stock Exchange. If an active
trading market does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the preferred
securities will be adversely affected. Even if an active public market does
develop, there is no guarantee that the market price for the preferred
securities will equal or exceed the price you pay for the preferred securities.

     Future trading prices of the preferred securities may be subject to
significant fluctuations in response to prevailing interest rates, our future
operating results and financial condition, the market for similar securities and
general economic and market conditions. The initial public offering price of the
preferred securities has been determined by us and the underwriters and may be
greater than the market price following the offering.

     The market price for the preferred securities, or the debentures that you
may receive in a distribution, is also likely to decline during any period that
we are deferring interest payments on the debentures.

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 us 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 holder of the debentures against us. The
holders of a majority in liquidation amount of the preferred securities will
have the right to direct the property trustee to enforce its rights. If the
property trustee does not enforce its rights following an event of default and a
request by the record holders to do so, any record holder may, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, take action directly against us to enforce the
property trustee's rights. If an event of default occurs under the trust
agreement that is attributable to our failure to pay interest or principal on
the debentures, or if we default under the guarantee, you may proceed directly
against us. 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.

AS A HOLDER OF PREFERRED SECURITIES, YOU HAVE LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS, AND WE CAN
AMEND THE TRUST AGREEMENT TO CHANGE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
ADMINISTRATION, OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST WITHOUT YOUR
CONSENT.

     Holders of preferred securities have limited voting rights. We can, without
your consent, make certain amendments to the trust agreement. Your voting rights
pertain primarily to certain amendments to the trust agreement and not to the
administration, operation or management of Baylake Capital Trust. In general,
only we can replace or remove any of the trustees. However, if an event of
default under the trust agreement occurs and is continuing, the holders of at
least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities may
replace the property trustee and the Delaware trustee. In certain circumstances,
with the consent of the holders of a majority in the aggregate liquidation
amount of the preferred securities, we may amend the trust agreement to

                                       18
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ensure that Baylake Capital Trust remains classified for federal income tax
purposes as a grantor trust and to ensure that Baylake Capital Trust retains its
exemption from status as an "investment company" under the Investment Company
Act, even if such amendment adversely affects your rights as a holder of
preferred securities. For more information regarding limitation on your ability
to control amendments to the trust agreement, see "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Voting Rights; Amendment of Trust Agreement" beginning on page 35.

THE PREFERRED SECURITIES ARE NOT INSURED, AND IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU COULD LOSE
YOUR ENTIRE INVESTMENT.

     Neither the FDIC nor any other governmental agency has insured the
preferred securities, the guarantee or the debentures.

                                       19
   23

               SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this
prospectus constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe
harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for
purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. You can identify these
statements from our use of the words "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend,"
"anticipate," "expect," "target" and similar expressions. These forward-looking
statements may include, among other things:

     - statements relating to projected growth; anticipated improvements in
       earnings, earnings per share, and other financial performance measures;
       and management's long term performance goals;

     - statements relating to the anticipated effects on results of operations
       or financial condition from expected developments or events;

     - statements relating to our business and growth strategies, including
       potential acquisitions; and

     - any other statements which are not historical facts.


     Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results,
performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from our
expectations of future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations
do not necessarily indicate our future results. We discuss these and other
uncertainties in the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus beginning on page
12.


                                       20
   24

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     Baylake Capital Trust will invest all of the proceeds from the sale of the
preferred securities in the debentures. We anticipate that the net proceeds from
the sale of the debentures will be approximately $11.2 million after deduction
of offering expenses estimated to be $355,000 and underwriting commissions.

     We expect to use approximately $7.8 million of the net proceeds from the
sale of the debentures to repay holding company indebtedness currently
outstanding. Our holding company debt consists of three separate borrowings from
an unaffiliated lender, each of which accrues interest on the outstanding
principal balance at a floating rate equal to the lender's prime rate less 1%:

     - a $2.0 million note with a current outstanding balance of $1.8 million.
       We make principal and interest payments of $100,000 on a quarterly basis
       under the terms of this note, which matures on March 29, 2002;

     - a $3.0 million note requiring interest-only payments until maturity on
       June 30, 2001; and

     - a $3.0 million note requiring interest-only payments until maturity on
       September 29, 2001.

     We intend to repay these borrowings within one year from the date of
origination. We used the proceeds from the first two loans to maintain
regulatory capital levels at our bank. We used a portion of the proceeds from
the third borrowing ($2,345,000) for the same purpose, and the balance
($655,000) is used by us for working capital purposes. We incurred all three
borrowings in anticipation of raising additional equity capital in this, or a
similar, offering. We will not incur any prepayment penalty by the early
retirement of these three borrowings.

     We will use the remaining net proceeds of the offering, approximately $3.4
million, to provide capital to fund continued growth at our bank and other
operating subsidiaries and for general corporate purposes.

                                       21
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                                 CAPITALIZATION


     The following table sets forth our total capitalization at September 30,
2000, on a historical basis and as adjusted for the offering and the application
of the estimated net proceeds from the corresponding sale of the debentures, as
if such sale had been consummated on September 30, 2000. This data should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
incorporated by reference into this prospectus from our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, and from our Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended September 30, 2000. See "Documents
Incorporated by Reference" on page 64.




                                                                SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
                                                              ----------------------
                                                              ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                              -------    -----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                   
Long term debt -- trust preferred securities(1).............  $    --      $12,000
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $5 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
  7,467,433 shares issued and 7,444,274 shares
  outstanding...............................................  $37,337      $37,337
Surplus.....................................................    7,126        7,126
Treasury stock, 23,159 shares at cost.......................     (625)        (625)
Retained earnings...........................................    7,835        7,835
Accumulated other comprehensive loss........................   (1,406)      (1,406)
                                                              -------      -------
  Total shareholders' equity................................  $50,267      $50,267
                                                              -------      -------
  Total capitalization......................................  $50,267      $62,267
                                                              =======      =======
CAPITAL RATIOS:(2)(3)
Leverage ratio(4)...........................................     6.35%        8.00%
Tier 1 capital ratio........................................     8.01        10.09
Total risk based capital ratio..............................     9.26        11.35


- -------------------------

(1) A portion of the proceeds of this offering will be used to repay
    approximately $7.8 million of outstanding debt evidenced by three notes made
    to an unaffiliated lender.

(2) The capital ratios, as adjusted, assume the receipt of $12.0 million from
    the sale of the preferred securities, in a manner consistent with Federal
    Reserve regulations.

(3) The preferred securities have been structured to qualify as Tier 1 capital.
    However, in calculating the amount of Tier 1 qualifying capital, the
    preferred securities, together with any other trust preferred securities or
    cumulative preferred stock that we have issued or may issue in the future
    may only be included up to the amount constituting 25% of total Tier 1 core
    capital elements, including the preferred securities. As adjusted for this
    offering, our Tier 1 capital as of September 30, 2000, would have been
    approximately $58.0 million. Accordingly, all of the trust preferred
    securities offered by this prospectus will qualify as Tier 1 capital.

(4) The leverage ratio is Tier 1 capital divided by average quarterly assets,
    after deducting intangible assets and net deferred tax assets in excess of
    regulatory maximum limits.

                                       22
   26

                      ACCOUNTING AND REGULATORY TREATMENT

     Baylake Capital Trust will be treated, for financial reporting purposes, as
our subsidiary and, accordingly, the accounts of Baylake Capital Trust will be
included in our consolidated financial statements. The preferred securities will
be presented as a separate line item in our consolidated balance sheet under the
caption "Long term debt -- trust preferred securities," or other similar
caption. In addition, appropriate disclosures about the preferred securities,
the guarantee and the debentures will be included in the notes to our
consolidated financial statements. For financial reporting purposes, we will
record distributions payable on the preferred securities in our consolidated
statements of income.

     Our future reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will
include a footnote to the audited consolidated financial statements stating
that:

     - Baylake Capital Trust is wholly-owned;

     - the sole assets of Baylake Capital Trust are the debentures, specifying
       the debentures' outstanding principal amount, interest rate and maturity
       date; and

     - our obligations described in this prospectus, in the aggregate,
       constitute a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee on a
       subordinated basis by us of the obligations of Baylake Capital Trust
       under the preferred securities.

     Under accounting rules of the SEC, we are not required to include separate
financial statements of Baylake Capital Trust in this prospectus because we will
own all of the voting securities of Baylake Capital Trust, Baylake Capital Trust
has no independent operations and we guarantee the payments on the preferred
securities to the extent described in this prospectus.

                                       23
   27

                      DESCRIPTION OF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST

     Baylake Capital Trust is a statutory business trust formed pursuant to the
Delaware Business Trust Act under a trust agreement executed by us, as
depositor, and the trustees named in the trust agreement. A certificate of trust
has been filed with the Delaware Secretary of State. The trust agreement will be
amended and restated in its entirety in the form filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, as of the date the
preferred securities are initially issued. The trust agreement will be qualified
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

     The following discussion contains a description of the material terms of
the trust agreement of Baylake Capital Trust and is subject to, and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to, the amended and restated trust agreement and
the Trust Indenture Act. We urge prospective investors to read the form of
amended and restated trust agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

     The holders of the preferred securities issued pursuant to the offering
described in this prospectus will own all of the issued and outstanding
preferred securities of Baylake Capital Trust which have certain prior rights
over the other securities of Baylake Capital Trust. We will not initially own
any of the preferred securities. We will acquire common securities in an amount
equal to at least 3% of the total capital of Baylake Capital Trust and will
initially own, directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding common
securities. The common securities, together with the preferred securities, are
called the trust securities.

     Baylake Capital Trust exists exclusively for the purposes of:

     - issuing the preferred securities to the public for cash;

     - issuing its common securities to us in exchange for our capitalization of
       Baylake Capital Trust;

     - investing the proceeds from the sale of the trust securities in an
       equivalent amount of our debentures; and

     - engaging in other activities that are incidental to those listed above.

     The rights of the holders of the trust securities are as set forth in the
trust agreement, the Delaware Business Trust Act and the Trust Indenture Act.
The trust agreement does not permit Baylake Capital Trust to borrow money or
make any investment other than in the debentures. Other than with respect to the
trust securities, we have agreed to pay for all debts and obligations and all
costs and expenses of Baylake Capital Trust, including the fees and expenses of
the trustees and any income taxes, duties and other governmental charges, and
all costs and expenses related to these charges, to which Baylake Capital Trust
may become subject, except for United States withholding taxes that are properly
withheld.

     The number of trustees of Baylake Capital Trust will initially be five.
Three of the trustees will be persons who are employees or officers of or who
are affiliated with us. They are the administrative trustees. The fourth trustee
will be an entity that maintains its principal place of business in the State of
Delaware. It is the Delaware trustee. Initially, Wilmington Trust Company, a
Delaware banking corporation, will act as Delaware trustee. The fifth trustee,
called the property trustee, will also initially be Wilmington Trust Company.
The property trustee is the institutional trustee under the trust agreement and

                                       24
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acts as the indenture trustee called for under the applicable provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act. Also for purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture
Act, Wilmington Trust Company, will act as guarantee trustee and indenture
trustee under the guarantee agreement and the indenture. See "Description of the
Debentures" beginning on page 39 and "Description of the Guarantee" beginning on
page 51. We, as holder of all of the common securities, will have the right to
appoint or remove any trustee unless an event of default under the indenture has
occurred and is continuing, in which case only the holders of the preferred
securities may remove the Delaware trustee or the property trustee. Baylake
Capital Trust has a term of approximately 30 years but may terminate earlier as
provided in the trust agreement.

     The property trustee will hold the debentures for the benefit of the
holders of the trust securities and will have the power to exercise all rights,
powers and privileges under the indenture as the holder of the debentures. In
addition, the property trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated
noninterest-bearing "payment account" established with Wilmington Trust Company
to hold all payments made on the debentures for the benefit of the holders of
the trust securities. The property trustee will make payments of distributions
and payments on liquidation, redemption and otherwise to the holders of the
trust securities out of funds from the payment account. The guarantee trustee
will hold the guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred
securities. We will pay all fees and expenses related to Baylake Capital Trust
and the offering of the preferred securities, including the fees and expenses of
the trustees.

                    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     The preferred securities will be issued pursuant to the trust agreement.
For more information about the trust agreement, see "Description of Baylake
Capital Trust" beginning on page 24. Wilmington Trust Company will act as
property trustee for the preferred securities under the trust agreement for
purposes of complying with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The terms
of the preferred securities will include those stated in the trust agreement and
those made a part of the trust agreement by the Trust Indenture Act.

     The following discussion contains a description of the material provisions
of the preferred securities and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to, the trust agreement and the Trust Indenture Act. We urge
prospective investors to read the form of amended and restated trust agreement,
which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus forms a part.

GENERAL

     The trust agreement authorizes the administrative trustees, on behalf of
Baylake Capital Trust, to issue the trust securities, which are comprised of
1,200,000 preferred securities to be sold to the public and 37,114 common
securities which we will acquire. In the event the underwriters exercise their
over-allotment option, the trust agreement authorizes the administrative
trustees, on behalf of Baylake Capital Trust, to issue an additional 180,000
preferred securities to the public and 5,567 common securities to us. We will
own all of the common securities issued by Baylake Capital Trust. Baylake
Capital Trust is not permitted to issue any securities other than the trust
securities or to incur any indebtedness.

                                       25
   29

     The preferred securities will represent preferred undivided beneficial
interests in the assets of Baylake Capital Trust, and the holders of the
preferred securities will be entitled to a preference over the common securities
upon an event of default with respect to distributions and amounts payable on
redemption or liquidation. The preferred securities will rank equally, and
payments on the preferred securities will be made proportionally, with the
common securities, except as described under "-- Subordination of Common
Securities" on page 31.

     The property trustee will hold legal title to the debentures in Baylake
Capital Trust for the benefit of the holders of the trust securities. We will
guarantee the payment of distributions out of money held by Baylake Capital
Trust, and payments upon redemption of the preferred securities or liquidation
of Baylake Capital Trust, to the extent described under "Description of the
Guarantee" beginning on page 51. The guarantee agreement does not cover the
payment of any distribution or the liquidation amount when Baylake Capital Trust
does not have sufficient funds available to make these payments.

DISTRIBUTIONS

     Source of Distributions.  The funds of Baylake Capital Trust available for
distribution to holders of the preferred securities will be limited to payments
made under the debentures, which Baylake Capital Trust will purchase with the
proceeds from the sale of the trust securities. Distributions will be paid
through the property trustee, which will hold the amounts received from our
interest payments on the debentures in the payment account for the benefit of
the holders of the trust securities. If we do not make interest payments on the
debentures, the property trustee will not have funds available to pay
distributions on the preferred securities.

     Payment of Distributions.  Distributions on the preferred securities will
be payable at the annual rate of      % of the $10 stated liquidation amount,
payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year, to the holders of the preferred securities on the relevant record dates.
So long as the preferred securities are represented by a global security, as
described below, the record date will be the business day immediately preceding
the relevant distribution date. The first distribution date for the preferred
securities will be June 30, 2001.

     Distributions will accumulate from the date of issuance, will be cumulative
and will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If
the distribution date is not a business day, then payment of the distributions
will be made on the next day that is a business day, without any additional
interest or other payment for the delay. However, if the next business day is in
the next calendar year, payment of the distribution will be made on the business
day immediately preceding the scheduled distribution date. When we use the term
"business day" we mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a day on which
banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law,
regulation or executive order to remain closed or a day on which the corporate
trust office of the property trustee or the indenture trustee is closed for
business.

     Extension Period.  As long as no event of default under the indenture has
occurred and is continuing, we have the right to defer the payment of interest
on the debentures at any time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters. We refer to this period of deferral as an "extension period." No
extension period may extend beyond March 31, 2031 or end on a date other than an
interest payment date, which dates are the same as the distribution dates. If we
defer the payment of interest, quarterly distributions on the preferred
securities will also be deferred during any such extension period. Any deferred

                                       26
   30

distributions under the preferred securities will accumulate additional amounts
at the annual rate of      %, compounded quarterly from the relevant
distribution date. The term "distributions" as used in this prospectus includes
those accumulated amounts.

     During an extension period, we may not:

     - declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
       acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital
       stock, other than stock dividends, non-cash dividends in connection with
       the implementation of a shareholder rights plan, purchases of common
       stock in connection with employee benefit plans or in connection with the
       reclassification of any class of our capital stock into another class of
       capital stock, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to do
       the same with respect to their capital stock, other than the payment of
       dividends or distributions to us or to any of our direct or indirect
       subsidiaries;

     - make, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to make, any
       payment of principal, interest or premium on or repay, repurchase or
       redeem any debt securities that rank equally with, or junior to, the
       debentures;

     - make, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to make, any
       guarantee payments with respect to any other guarantee by us of any other
       debt securities of any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries if the
       guarantee ranks equally with or junior to the debentures, other than
       payments under the guarantee; or

     - redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the debentures or any of the
       preferred securities.

After the termination of any extension period and the payment of all amounts
due, we may elect to begin a new extension period, subject to the above
requirements.

     We do not currently intend to exercise our right to defer distributions on
the preferred securities by deferring the payment of interest on the debentures.

REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE

     General.  Subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required
by law or regulation, we will have the right to redeem the debentures:

     - in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, on or after March 31,
       2006;

     - at any time, in whole, within 180 days following the occurrence of a Tax
       Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event, which
       terms we define below; or

     - at any time, to the extent of any preferred securities we repurchase,
       plus a proportionate amount of the common securities we hold.

     Mandatory Redemption.  Upon our repayment or redemption, in whole or in
part, of any debentures, whether on March 31, 2031 or earlier, the property
trustee will apply the proceeds to redeem the same amount of the trust
securities, upon not less than 30 days' nor more than 60 days' notice, at the
redemption price. The redemption price will equal 100% of the aggregate
liquidation amount of the trust securities plus accumulated but unpaid
distributions to the date of redemption. If less than all of the debentures are
to be repaid or redeemed on a date of redemption, then the proceeds from such
repayment or redemption will be allocated to redemption of preferred securities
and common securities proportionately.

                                       27
   31

     Distribution of Debentures in Exchange for Preferred Securities.  Upon
prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required by law or regulation, we will
have the right at any time to dissolve, wind-up or terminate Baylake Capital
Trust and, after satisfaction of the liabilities of creditors of Baylake Capital
Trust as provided by applicable law, including, without limitation, amounts due
and owing the trustees of Baylake Capital Trust, cause the debentures to be
distributed directly to the holders of trust securities in liquidation of
Baylake Capital Trust. See "-- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination"
beginning on page 31.

     After the liquidation date fixed for any distribution of debentures in
exchange for preferred securities:

     - those trust securities will no longer be deemed to be outstanding;

     - certificates representing debentures in a principal amount equal to the
       liquidation amount of those preferred securities will be issued in
       exchange for the preferred securities certificates;

     - we will use our best efforts to list the debentures on the American Stock
       Exchange or another national exchange or to have them designated for
       inclusion on the Nasdaq National Market, if the preferred securities are
       then listed or included;

     - any certificates representing trust securities that are not surrendered
       for exchange will be deemed to represent debentures with a principal
       amount equal to the liquidation amount of those preferred securities,
       plus unpaid interest in an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid
       distributions on the preferred securities and accruing interest at the
       rate provided for in the debentures from the last distribution date on
       the preferred securities; and

     - all rights of the trust security holders other than the right to receive
       debentures upon surrender of a certificate representing trust securities
       will terminate.

     We cannot assure you that the market prices for the preferred securities or
the debentures that may be distributed if a dissolution and liquidation of
Baylake Capital Trust were to occur would be favorable. The preferred securities
that an investor may purchase, or the debentures that an investor may receive on
dissolution and liquidation of Baylake Capital Trust, may trade at a discount to
the price that the investor paid to purchase the preferred securities.

     Redemption upon a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment
Event.  If a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event
occurs, we will have the right to redeem the debentures in whole, but not in
part, and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of all of the trust securities at
the redemption price. If one of these events occurs and we do not elect to
redeem the debentures, or to dissolve Baylake Capital Trust and cause the
debentures to be distributed to holders of the trust securities, then the
preferred securities will remain outstanding and additional interest may be
payable on the debentures. See "Description of the Debentures -- Redemption" on
page 42.

     "Tax Event" means the receipt by Baylake Capital Trust and us of an opinion
of counsel having a recognized federal tax and securities law practice stating
that there is more than an insubstantial risk that:

     - interest payable by us on the debentures is not, or within 90 days of the
       date of the opinion will not be, deductible by us, in whole or in part,
       for federal income tax purposes;

                                       28
   32

     - Baylake Capital Trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date of the
       opinion, subject to federal income tax with respect to income received or
       accrued on the debentures; or

     - Baylake Capital Trust is, or will be within 90 days after the date of
       opinion, subject to more than an immaterial amount of other taxes,
       duties, assessments or other governmental charges, as a result of any
       amendment to any tax laws or regulations.

     "Investment Company Event" means the receipt by Baylake Capital Trust and
us of an opinion of counsel having a recognized federal tax and securities law
practice to the effect that Baylake Capital Trust is, or will be, considered an
"investment company" that is required to be registered under the Investment
Company Act, as a result of a change in law or regulation or a change in
interpretation or application of law or regulation.

     "Capital Treatment Event" means the receipt by Baylake Capital Trust and us
of an opinion of counsel having a recognized bank regulatory practice to the
effect that there is more than an insubstantial risk of impairment of our
ability to treat the preferred securities as Tier 1 capital for purposes of the
current capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal Reserve, as a result of any
amendment to any laws or any regulations.

     For all of the events described above, we or Baylake Capital Trust must
request and receive an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters with
regard to the event within a reasonable period of time after we become aware of
the possible occurrence of an event of this kind.

     Redemption of Debentures in Exchange for Preferred Securities We
Purchase.  Upon prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required by law or
regulation, we will also have the right at any time, and from time to time, to
redeem debentures in exchange for any preferred securities we may have
repurchased in the market. If we elect to surrender any preferred securities
beneficially owned by us in exchange for redemption of a like amount of
debentures, we will also surrender a proportionate amount of common securities
in exchange for debentures. Neither we nor Baylake Capital Trust will call for
redemption any preferred securities owned by other holders at any time when we
elect to exchange trust securities we own for debentures.

     The common securities we surrender will be in the same proportion to the
preferred securities we surrender as is the ratio of common securities then
outstanding to the preferred securities then outstanding. In exchange for the
trust securities surrendered by us, the property trustee will cause to be
released to us for cancellation debentures with a principal amount equal to the
liquidation amount of the trust securities, plus any accumulated but unpaid
distributions, if any, then held by the property trustee allocable to those
trust securities. After the date of redemption involving an exchange by us, the
trust securities we surrender will no longer be deemed outstanding and the
debentures redeemed in exchange will be cancelled.

REDEMPTION PROCEDURES

     Preferred securities will be redeemed at the redemption price with the
applicable proceeds from our contemporaneous redemption of the debentures.
Redemptions of the preferred securities will be made, and the redemption price
will be payable, on each redemption date only to the extent that Baylake Capital
Trust has funds available for the payment of the redemption price.

     Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than
60 days before the date of redemption to each holder of trust securities to be
redeemed at its

                                       29
   33

registered address. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price on the
debentures, interest will cease to accumulate on the debentures called for
redemption on and after the date of redemption.

     If Baylake Capital Trust gives notice of redemption of its trust
securities, then the property trustee, to the extent funds are available, will
irrevocably deposit with the depositary for the trust securities funds
sufficient to pay the aggregate redemption price and will give the depositary
for the trust securities irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the
redemption price to the holders of the trust securities. See "Book-Entry
Issuance" beginning on page 49. If the preferred securities are no longer in
book-entry only form, the property trustee, to the extent funds are available,
will deposit with the designated paying agent for such preferred securities
funds sufficient to pay the aggregate redemption price and will give the paying
agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the
holders upon surrender of their certificates evidencing the preferred
securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions payable on or prior to
the date of redemption for any trust securities called for redemption will be
payable to the holders of the trust securities on the relevant record dates for
the related distribution dates.

     If notice of redemption has been given and we have deposited funds as
required, then on the date of the deposit all rights of the holders of the trust
securities called for redemption will cease, except the right to receive the
redemption price, but without interest on such redemption price after the date
of redemption. The trust securities will also cease to be outstanding on the
date of the deposit. If any date fixed for redemption of trust securities is not
a business day, then payment of the redemption price payable on that date will
be made on the next day that is a business day without any additional interest
or other payment in respect of the delay. However, if the next business day is
in the next succeeding calendar year, payment of the interest will be made on
the immediately preceding business day.

     If payment of the redemption price in respect of trust securities called
for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid by Baylake Capital
Trust, or by us pursuant to the guarantee, distributions on the trust securities
will continue to accumulate at the applicable rate from the date of redemption
originally established by Baylake Capital Trust for the trust securities to the
date the redemption price is actually paid. In this case, the actual payment
date will be considered the date fixed for redemption for purposes of
calculating the redemption price. See "Description of the Guarantee" beginning
on page 51.

     Payment of the redemption price on the preferred securities and any
distribution of debentures to holders of preferred securities will be made to
the applicable recordholders as they appear on the register for the preferred
securities on the relevant record date. As long as the preferred securities are
represented by a global security, the record date will be the business day
immediately preceding the date of redemption or liquidation date, as applicable.

     If less than all of the trust securities are to be redeemed, then the
aggregate liquidation amount of the trust securities to be redeemed will be
allocated proportionately to those trust securities based upon the relative
liquidation amounts. The particular preferred securities to be redeemed will be
selected by the property trustee from the outstanding preferred securities not
previously called for redemption by a method the property trustee deems fair and
appropriate. This method may provide for the redemption of portions equal to
$10, or an integral multiple of $10, of the liquidation amount of the preferred
securities. The property trustee will promptly notify the registrar for the
preferred

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securities in writing of the preferred securities selected for redemption and,
in the case of any preferred securities selected for partial redemption, the
liquidation amount to be redeemed.

     Subject to applicable law, and if we are not exercising our right to defer
interest payments on the debentures, we may, at any time, purchase outstanding
preferred securities.

SUBORDINATION OF COMMON SECURITIES

     Payment of distributions on, and the redemption price of, the preferred
securities and common securities of Baylake Capital Trust will be made based on
the liquidation amount of these securities. However, if an event of default
under the indenture has occurred and is continuing, no distributions on or
redemption of the common securities may be made unless payment in full in cash
of all accumulated and unpaid distributions on all of the outstanding preferred
securities for all distribution periods terminating on or before that time, or
in the case of payment of the redemption price, payment of the full amount of
the redemption price on all of the outstanding preferred securities then called
for redemption, has been made or provided for. All funds available to the
property trustee will first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all
distributions on, or the redemption price of, the preferred securities then due
and payable.

     In the case of the occurrence and continuance of any event of default under
the trust agreement resulting from an event of default under the indenture, we,
as holder of the common securities, will be deemed to have waived any right to
act with respect to that event of default under the trust agreement until the
effect of the event of default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated.
Until the event of default under the trust agreement has been so cured, waived
or otherwise eliminated, the property trustee will act solely on behalf of the
holders of the preferred securities and not on our behalf, and only the holders
of the preferred securities will have the right to direct the property trustee
to act on their behalf.

LIQUIDATION DISTRIBUTION UPON TERMINATION

     We will have the right at any time to dissolve, wind-up or terminate
Baylake Capital Trust and cause the debentures to be distributed to the holders
of the preferred securities. This right is subject, however, to us receiving
approval of the Federal Reserve, if required by law or regulation.

     In addition, Baylake Capital Trust will automatically terminate upon
expiration of its term and will terminate earlier on the first to occur of:

     - our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation;

     - the distribution of a like amount of the debentures to the holders of
       trust securities, if we have given written direction to the property
       trustee to terminate Baylake Capital Trust;

     - redemption of all of the preferred securities as described on page 27
       under "-- Redemption or Exchange -- Mandatory Redemption"; or

     - the entry of a court order for the dissolution of Baylake Capital Trust.

     With the exception of a redemption as described on page 27 under
"-- Redemption or Exchange -- Mandatory Redemption," if an early termination of
Baylake Capital Trust occurs, the trust will be liquidated by the administrative
trustees as expeditiously as they

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determine to be possible. After satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of
Baylake Capital Trust as provided by applicable law, the trustees will
distribute to the holders of trust securities, debentures:

     - in an aggregate stated principal amount equal to the aggregate stated
       liquidation amount of the trust securities;

     - with an interest rate identical to the distribution rate on the trust
       securities; and

     - with accrued and unpaid interest equal to accumulated and unpaid
       distributions on the trust securities.

     However, if the property trustee determines that the distribution is not
practical, then the holders of trust securities will be entitled to receive,
instead of debentures, a proportionate amount of the liquidation distribution.
The liquidation distribution will be the amount equal to the aggregate of the
liquidation amount plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of
payment. If the liquidation distribution can be paid only in part because
Baylake Capital Corporation has insufficient assets available to pay in full the
aggregate liquidation distribution, then the amounts payable directly by Baylake
Capital Trust on the trust securities will be paid on a proportional basis,
based on liquidation amounts, to us, as the holder of the common securities, and
to the holders of the preferred securities. However, if an event of default
under the indenture has occurred and is continuing, the preferred securities
will have a priority over the common securities. See "-- Subordination of Common
Securities" on page 31.

     Under current United States federal income tax law and interpretations and
assuming that Baylake Capital Trust is treated as a grantor trust, as is
expected, a distribution of the debentures should not be a taxable event to
holders of the preferred securities. Should there be a change in law, a change
in legal interpretation, a Tax Event or another circumstance, however, the
distribution could be a taxable event to holders of the preferred securities.
See "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences -- Receipt of Debentures or Cash
Upon Liquidation of Baylake Capital Trust" on page 58. If we do not elect to
redeem the debentures prior to maturity or to liquidate the trust and distribute
the debentures to holders of the preferred securities, the preferred securities
will remain outstanding until the repayment of the debentures.

     If we elect to dissolve Baylake Capital Trust and thus cause the debentures
to be distributed to holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of
Baylake Capital Trust, we will continue to have the right to shorten the
maturity of the debentures. See "Description of the Debentures -- General"
beginning on page 40.

LIQUIDATION VALUE

     The amount of the liquidation distribution payable on the preferred
securities in the event of any liquidation of Baylake Capital Trust is $10 per
preferred security plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of
payment, which may be in the form of a distribution of debentures having a
liquidation value and accrued interest of an equal amount. See "-- Liquidation
Distribution Upon Termination" beginning on page 31.

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   36

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; NOTICE

     Any one of the following events constitutes an event of default under the
trust agreement with respect to the preferred securities:

     - the occurrence of an event of default under the indenture, see
       "Description of the Debentures -- Debenture Events of Default" beginning
       on page 46;

     - a default by Baylake Capital Trust in the payment of any distribution
       when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of the default for a
       period of 30 days;

     - a default by Baylake Capital Trust in the payment of any redemption price
       of any of the trust securities when it becomes due and payable;

     - a default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of any
       covenant or warranty of the trustees in the trust agreement, other than
       those defaults covered in the previous two points, and continuation of
       the default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given,
       by registered or certified mail, to the defaulting trustee(s) by the
       holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation amount of the
       outstanding preferred securities, a written notice specifying the default
       or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that the notice is
       a "Notice of Default" under the trust agreement; or

     - the occurrence of events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the
       property trustee and our failure to appoint a successor property trustee
       within 60 days.

     Within five business 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 preferred securities, the
administrative trustees and to us, unless the event of default has been cured or
waived. We and the administrative trustees are required to file annually with
the property trustee a certificate as to whether or not we or they are in
compliance with all applicable conditions and covenants under the trust
agreement.

     If an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing,
the preferred securities will have preference over the common securities upon
termination of Baylake Capital Trust. See "-- Subordination of Common
Securities" on page 31 and "-- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination"
beginning on page 31. The existence of an event of default under the trust
agreement does not entitle the holders of preferred securities to accelerate the
maturity thereof, unless the event of default is caused by the occurrence of an
event of default under the indenture and both the indenture trustee and holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the debentures fail to accelerate the
maturity thereof.

REMOVAL OF THE TRUSTEES

     Unless an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, we may remove any trustee at any time. If an event of default under
the indenture has occurred and is continuing, only the holders of a majority in
liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities may remove the
property trustee or the Delaware trustee. The holders of the preferred
securities have no right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the
administrative trustees. These rights are vested exclusively with us 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 successor trustee
accepts the appointment in accordance with the trust agreement.

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   37

CO-TRUSTEES AND SEPARATE PROPERTY TRUSTEE

     Unless an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust
Indenture Act or of any jurisdiction in which any part of the property of
Baylake Capital Trust may at the time be located, we will have the power to
appoint at any time or times, and upon written request of the property trustee
will appoint, one or more persons or entities either (a) to act as a co-
trustee, jointly with the property trustee, of all or any part of the property
of Baylake Capital Trust, or (b) to act as separate trustee of any property of
Baylake Capital Trust. In either case, these trustees will have the powers that
may be provided in the instrument of appointment, and will have vested in them
any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to
the provisions of the trust agreement. In case an event of default under the
indenture has occurred and is continuing, the property trustee alone will have
power to make the appointment.

MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION OF TRUSTEES

     Generally, any person or successor to any of the trustees may be a
successor trustee to any of the trustees, including a successor resulting from a
merger or consolidation. However, any successor trustee must meet all of the
qualifications and eligibility standards to act as a trustee.

MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, AMALGAMATIONS OR REPLACEMENTS OF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST

     Baylake Capital Trust may not merge with or 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. For these purposes, if we consolidate or merge with another
entity, or transfer or sell substantially all of our assets to another entity,
in some cases that transaction may be considered to involve a replacement of
Baylake Capital Trust, and the conditions set forth below would apply to such
transaction. Baylake Capital Trust may, at our request, with the consent of the
administrative trustees and without the consent of the holders of the preferred
securities, the property trustee or the Delaware trustee, undertake a
transaction listed above if the following conditions are met:

     - the successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations
       of Baylake Capital Trust with respect to the preferred securities, or (b)
       substitutes for the preferred securities other securities having
       substantially the same terms as the preferred securities, referred to as
       "successor securities", so long as the successor securities rank the same
       in priority as the preferred securities with respect to distributions and
       payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise;

     - we appoint a trustee of the successor entity possessing substantially the
       same powers and duties as the property trustee in its capacity as the
       holder of the debentures;

     - the successor securities are listed or traded or will be listed or traded
       on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the
       preferred securities are then listed, if any;

     - the merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance,
       transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and
       privileges of the holders of the preferred securities, including any
       successor securities, in any material respect;

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   38

     - the successor entity has a purpose substantially identical to that of
       Baylake Capital Trust;

     - prior to the merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement,
       conveyance, transfer or lease, we have received an opinion from
       independent counsel that (a) any transaction of this kind does not
       adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of
       the preferred securities, including any successor securities, in any
       material respect, and (b) following the transaction, neither Baylake
       Capital Trust nor the successor entity will be required to register as an
       "investment company" under the Investment Company Act; and

     - we own all of the common securities of the successor entity and guarantee
       the obligations of the successor entity under the successor securities at
       least to the extent provided by the guarantee, the debentures, the trust
       agreement and the expense agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Baylake Capital Trust may not, except with the
consent of every holder of the preferred securities, enter into any transaction
of this kind if the transaction would cause Baylake Capital Trust or the
successor entity not to be classified as a grantor trust for United States
federal income tax purposes.

VOTING RIGHTS; AMENDMENT OF TRUST AGREEMENT

     Except as described below and under "Description of the
Guarantee -- Amendments and Assignment" on page 52, and as otherwise required by
the Trust Indenture Act and the trust agreement, the holders of the preferred
securities will have no voting rights.

     The trust agreement may be amended from time to time by us, as holders of
the common securities, and the trustees, without the consent of the holders of
the preferred securities, in the following circumstances:

     - with respect to acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee;

     - 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, as long as the amendment is not inconsistent with
       the other provisions of the trust agreement and does not have a material
       adverse effect on the interests of any holder of trust securities; or

     - to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the trust agreement if
       necessary to ensure that Baylake Capital Trust will be classified for
       federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any
       trust securities are outstanding or to ensure that Baylake Capital Trust
       will not be required to register as an "investment company" under the
       Investment Company Act.

     With the consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation
amount of the outstanding trust securities, we and the trustees may amend the
trust agreement if the trustees receive an opinion of counsel to the effect that
the amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the trustees in accordance
with the amendment will not affect Baylake Capital Trust's status as a grantor
trust for federal income tax purposes or Baylake Capital Trust's exemption from
status as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act. However,
without the consent of each holder of trust securities, the trust agreement may
not be amended to (a) change the amount or timing of any distribution on the
trust securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any distribution
required to

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   39

be made in respect of the trust securities as of a specified date, or (b)
restrict the right of a holder of trust securities to institute suit for the
enforcement of the payment on or after that date.

     As long as the property trustee holds any debentures, the trustees will
not, without obtaining the prior approval of the holders of a majority in
aggregate liquidation amount of all outstanding preferred securities:

     - 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 property 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 or termination of the indenture or the
       debentures, where the property trustee's consent is required. However,
       where a consent under the indenture requires the consent of each holder
       of the affected debentures, no consent will be given by the property
       trustee without the prior consent of each holder of the preferred
       securities.

The trustees may not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a
vote of the holders of the preferred securities except by subsequent vote of the
holders of the preferred securities. The property trustee will notify each
holder of preferred securities of any notice of default with respect to the
debentures. In addition to obtaining the foregoing approvals of the holders of
the preferred securities, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the
trustees must obtain an opinion of counsel experienced in these matters to the
effect that Baylake Capital Trust will not be classified as an association
taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes on account of the
action.

     Any required approval of holders of trust securities may be given at a
meeting or by written consent. The property trustee will cause a notice of any
meeting at which holders of the trust securities are entitled to vote, or of any
matter upon which action by written consent of the holders is to be taken, to be
given to each holder of record of trust securities.

     No vote or consent of the holders of preferred securities will be required
for Baylake Capital Trust to redeem and cancel its preferred securities in
accordance with the trust agreement.

     Notwithstanding the fact that holders of preferred securities are entitled
to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, any of the
preferred securities that are owned by us, the trustees or any of our affiliates
or any trustee, will, for purposes of the vote or consent, be treated as if they
were not outstanding.

GLOBAL PREFERRED SECURITIES

     The preferred securities will be represented by one or more global
preferred securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New
York, New York, or its nominee. A global preferred security is a security
representing interests of more than one beneficial holder. Ownership of
beneficial interests in the global preferred securities will be reflected in DTC
participant account records through DTC's book-entry transfer and registration
system. Participants are brokers, dealers, or others having accounts with DTC.
Indirect beneficial interests of other persons investing in the preferred
securities will be

                                       36
   40

shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC
participants. Except as described below, preferred securities in definitive form
will not be issued in exchange for the global preferred securities. See
"Book-Entry Issuance" beginning on page 49.

     No global preferred security may be exchanged for preferred securities
registered in the names of persons other than DTC or its nominee unless:

     - DTC notifies the indenture trustee that it is unwilling or unable to
       continue as a depositary for the global preferred security and we are
       unable to locate a qualified successor depositary;

     - we execute and deliver to the indenture trustee a written order stating
       that we elect to terminate the book-entry system through DTC; or

     - there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the
       indenture.

Any global preferred security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding
sentence shall be exchangeable for definitive certificates registered in the
names as DTC shall direct. It is expected that the instructions will be based
upon directions received by DTC with respect to ownership of beneficial
interests in the global preferred security. If preferred securities are issued
in definitive form, the preferred securities will be in denominations of $10,
and integral multiples of $10, and may be transferred or exchanged at the
offices described below.

     Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual
preferred securities represented thereby, a global preferred security may not be
transferred except as a whole by DTC to a nominee of DTC, by a nominee of DTC to
DTC or another nominee of DTC or by DTC or any nominee to a successor depositary
or any nominee of the successor.

     Payments on global preferred securities will be made to DTC, as the
depositary for the global preferred securities. If the preferred securities are
issued in definitive form, distributions will be payable by check mailed to the
address of record of the persons entitled to the distribution, and the transfer
of the preferred securities will be registrable, and preferred securities will
be exchangeable for preferred securities of other denominations of a like
aggregate liquidation amount, at the corporate office of the property trustee,
or at the offices of any paying agent or transfer agent appointed by the
administrative trustees. In addition, if the preferred securities are issued in
definitive form, the record dates for payment of distributions will be the 15th
day of the month in which the relevant distribution date occurs. For a
description of the terms of DTC arrangements relating to payments, transfers,
voting rights, redemptions and other notices and other matters, see "Book-Entry
Issuance" beginning on page 49.

     Upon the issuance of one or more global preferred securities, and the
deposit of the global preferred security with or on behalf of DTC or its
nominee, DTC or its nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective aggregate liquidation amounts of the individual
preferred securities represented by the global preferred security to the
designated accounts of persons that participate in the DTC system. These
participant accounts will be designated by the dealers, underwriters or agents
selling the preferred securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global
preferred security will be limited to persons or entities having an account with
DTC or who may hold interests through participants. With respect to interests of
any person or entity that is a DTC participant, ownership of beneficial
interests in a global preferred

                                       37
   41

security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected
only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee. With respect to persons
or entities who hold interests in a global preferred security through a
participant, the interest and any transfer of the interest will be shown only on
the participant's records. The laws of some states require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive
form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a
global preferred security.

     So long as DTC or another depositary, or its nominee, is the registered
owner of the global preferred security, the depositary or the nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the preferred
securities represented by the global preferred security for all purposes under
the trust agreement. Except as described in this prospectus, owners of
beneficial interests in a global preferred security will not be entitled to have
any of the individual preferred securities represented by the global preferred
security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive
physical delivery of any the preferred securities in definitive form and will
not be considered the owners or holders of the preferred securities under the
trust agreement.

     None of us, the property trustee, any paying agent or the securities
registrar for the preferred securities will have any responsibility or liability
for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests of the global preferred security representing the
preferred securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to the beneficial ownership interests.

     We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of the
liquidation amount or distributions in respect of a global preferred security,
immediately will credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts
proportionate to their respective beneficial interest in the aggregate
liquidation amount of the global preferred security as shown on the records of
DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of
beneficial interests in the global preferred security held through the
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices,
as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer
form or registered in "street name." The payments will be the responsibility of
the participants. See "Book-Entry Issuance" beginning on page 49.

PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENCY

     Payments in respect of the preferred securities shall be made to DTC, which
shall credit the relevant accounts of participants on the applicable
distribution dates, or, if any of the preferred securities are not held by DTC,
the payments shall be made by check mailed to the address of the holder as
listed on the register of holders of the preferred securities. The paying agent
for the preferred securities will initially be the property trustee and any
co-paying agent chosen by the property trustee and acceptable to us and the
administrative trustees. The paying agent for the preferred securities may
resign as paying agent upon 30 days' written notice to the administrative
trustees, the property trustee and us. If the property trustee no longer is the
paying agent for the preferred securities, the administrative trustees will
appoint a successor to act as paying agent. The successor must be a bank or
trust company acceptable to us and the property trustee.

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

     The property trustee will act as the registrar and the transfer agent for
the preferred securities. Registration of transfers of preferred securities will
be effected without charge

                                       38
   42

by or on behalf of Baylake Capital Trust, but upon payment of any tax or other
governmental charges that may be imposed in connection with any transfer or
exchange. Baylake Capital Trust and its registrar and transfer agent will not be
required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of preferred
securities after they have been called for redemption.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TRUSTEE

     The property trustee undertakes to perform only the duties set forth in the
trust agreement and as required by the Trust Indenture Act. After the occurrence
of an event of default that is continuing, the property trustee must exercise
the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person exercises or uses in the
conduct of his or her own affairs. 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 preferred securities unless it is offered reasonable indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred. If no event
of default under the trust agreement has occurred and is continuing and the
property trustee is required to decide between alternative causes of action,
construe ambiguous or inconsistent 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 preferred securities are entitled to vote,
then the property trustee will take the action directed in writing by us. If the
property trustee is not so directed, then it will take the action it deems
advisable and in the best interests of the holders of the trust securities and
will have no liability except for its own bad faith, negligence or willful
misconduct.

MISCELLANEOUS

     The administrative trustees are authorized and directed to conduct the
affairs of and to operate Baylake Capital Trust in such a way that:

     - Baylake Capital Trust will not be deemed to be an "investment company"
       required to be registered under Investment Company Act;

     - Baylake Capital Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as
       a corporation for federal income tax purposes; and

     - the debentures will be treated as indebtedness incurred by us for federal
       income tax purposes.

In this regard, we and the administrative trustees are authorized to take any
action not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust or the
trust agreement, that we and the administrative trustees determine to be
necessary or desirable for these purposes.

     Holders of the preferred securities have no preemptive or similar rights.
The trust agreement and the trust securities will be governed by Delaware law.

                         DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBENTURES

     Concurrently with the issuance of the preferred securities, Baylake Capital
Trust will invest the proceeds from the sale of the trust securities in the
debentures issued by us. The debentures will be issued as unsecured debt under
the indenture between us and Wilmington Trust Company, as indenture trustee. The
indenture will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act.

     The following discussion contains a description of the material provisions
of the debentures and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the indenture

                                       39
   43

and to the Trust Indenture Act. We urge prospective investors to read the form
of the indenture, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of
which this prospectus forms a part.

GENERAL

     The debentures will be limited in aggregate principal amount to
$12,371,140, or $14,226,810 if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is
exercised in full. This amount represents the sum of the aggregate stated
liquidation amounts of the trust securities. The debentures will bear interest
at the annual rate of      % of the principal amount. The interest will be
payable quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each
year, beginning June 30, 2001, to the person in whose name each debenture is
registered at the close of business on the 15th day of the last month of the
calendar quarter. It is anticipated that, until the liquidation, if any, of the
trust, the debentures will be held in the name of the property trustee in trust
for the benefit of the holders of the trust securities.

     The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis
of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If any date on which interest is
payable on the debentures is not a business day, then payment of interest will
be made on the next day that is a business day without any additional interest
or other payment in respect of the delay. However, if the next business day is
in the next calendar year, payment of interest will be made on the immediately
preceding business day. Accrued interest that is not paid on the applicable
interest payment date will bear additional interest on the amount due at the
annual rate of      %, compounded quarterly.

     The debentures will mature on March 31, 2031, the stated maturity date. We
may shorten this date once at any time to any date after March 31, 2006, subject
to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required by law or regulation.

     We will give notice to the indenture trustee and the holders of the
debentures, no more than 180 days and no less than 30 days prior to the
effectiveness of any change in the stated maturity date. We will not have the
right to redeem the debentures from Baylake Capital Trust until after March 31,
2006, except if (a) a Tax Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital
Treatment Event, which terms are defined on pages 28 and 29, has occurred, or
(b) we repurchase preferred securities in the market, in which case we can elect
to redeem debentures specifically in exchange for a like amount of preferred
securities owned by us plus a proportionate amount of common securities.

     The debentures will be unsecured and will rank junior to all of our senior
and subordinated debt, including indebtedness we may incur in the future.
Because we are a holding company, our right to participate in any distribution
of assets of any of our subsidiaries, upon any subsidiary's liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise, and thus the ability of holders of the debentures
to benefit indirectly from any distribution by a subsidiary, is subject to the
prior claim of creditors of the subsidiary, except to the extent that we may be
recognized as a creditor of the subsidiary. The debentures will, therefore, be
effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our
subsidiaries, and holders of debentures should look only to our assets for
payment. The indenture does not limit our ability to incur or issue secured or
unsecured senior and junior debt. See "-- Subordination" beginning on page 43.

     The indenture does not contain provisions that afford holders of the
debentures protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or other
similar transaction

                                       40
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involving us, nor does it require us to maintain or achieve any financial
performance levels or to obtain or maintain any credit rating on the debentures.

OPTION TO EXTEND INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD

     As long as no event of default under the indenture has occurred and is
continuing, we have the right under the indenture to defer the payment of
interest on the debentures at any time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive
quarters. However, no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of
the debentures or end on a date other than a date interest is normally due. At
the end of an extension period, we must pay all interest then accrued and
unpaid, together with interest thereon at the annual rate of    %, compounded
quarterly. During an extension period, interest will continue to accrue and
holders of debentures, or the holders of preferred securities if they are then
outstanding, will be required to accrue and recognize as income for federal
income tax purposes the accrued but unpaid interest amounts in the year in which
such amounts accrued. See "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences -- Interest
Payment Period and Original Issue Discount" on page 57.

     During an extension period, we may not:

     - declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
       acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital
       stock, other than stock dividends, non-cash dividends in connection with
       the implementation of a shareholders' rights plan, purchases of common
       stock in connection with employee benefit plans or in connection with the
       reclassification of any class of capital stock into another class of
       capital stock, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to do
       the same with respect to their capital stock, other than payment of
       dividends or distributions to us or to any of our direct or indirect
       subsidiaries;

     - make, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to make, any
       payment of principal, interest or premium on, or repay, repurchase or
       redeem any debt securities issued by us that rank equally with or junior
       to the debentures;

     - make, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to make, any
       guarantee payments with respect to any other guarantee by us of any other
       debt securities of any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries if the
       guarantee ranks equally with or junior to the debentures, other than
       payments under the guarantee; or

     - redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the debentures or any of the
       preferred securities.

     Prior to the termination of any extension period, so long as no event of
default under the indenture is continuing, we may further defer the payment of
interest subject to the above stated requirements. Upon the termination of any
extension period and the payment of all amounts then due, we may elect to begin
a new extension period at any time. We do not currently intend to exercise our
right to defer payments of interest on the debentures.

     We must give the property trustee, the administrative trustees and the
indenture trustee notice of our election of an extension period at least two
business days prior to the earlier of (a) the next date on which distributions
on the trust securities would have been payable except for the election to begin
an extension period, or (b) the date we are required to give notice of the
record date, or the date the distributions are payable, to the American Stock
Exchange, or other applicable exchange of self-regulatory organization, or to
holders of the preferred securities, but in any event at least one business day
prior to the record date.

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   45

     Other than as described above, there is no limitation on the number of
times that we may elect to begin an extension period.

ADDITIONAL SUMS TO BE PAID AS A RESULT OF ADDITIONAL TAXES

     If Baylake Capital Trust is required to pay any additional taxes, duties,
assessments or other governmental charges as a result of the occurrence of a Tax
Event, we will pay as additional interest on the debentures any amounts which
may be required so that the net amounts received and retained by Baylake Capital
Trust after paying any additional taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges will not be less than the amounts Baylake Capital Trust
would have received had the additional taxes, duties, assessments or other
governmental charges not been imposed.

REDEMPTION

     Subject to prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required by law or
regulation, we may redeem the debentures prior to maturity:

     - on or after March 31, 2006, in whole at any time or in part from time to
       time; or

     - in whole at any time within 180 days following the occurrence of a Tax
       Event, an Investment Company Event or a Capital Treatment Event; or

     - at any time to the extent of any preferred securities we purchase, plus a
       proportionate amount of the common securities we hold.

In each case we will pay a redemption price equal to the accrued and unpaid
interest on the debentures so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus
100% of the principal amount of the redeemed debentures.

     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 debentures to be redeemed
at its registered address. Redemption of less than all outstanding debentures
must be effected proportionately, by lot or in any other manner deemed to be
fair and appropriate by the indenture trustee. Unless we default in payment of
the redemption price for the debentures, on and after the redemption date
interest will no longer accrue on the debentures or the portions of the
debentures called for redemption.

     The debentures will not be subject to any sinking fund.

DISTRIBUTION UPON LIQUIDATION

     As described on pages 31 and 32 under "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination," under certain
circumstances and with the Federal Reserve's approval, the debentures may be
distributed to the holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of Baylake
Capital Trust after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of Baylake Capital
Trust. If this occurs, we will use our best efforts to list the debentures on
the American Stock Exchange or other national exchange or to have them
designated for inclusion on the Nasdaq National Market, if the preferred
securities are then listed or included. There can be no assurance as to the
market price of any debentures that may be distributed to the holders of
preferred securities.

RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENTS

     We are restricted from making certain payments (as described below) if we
have chosen to defer payment of interest on the debentures, if an event of
default has occurred

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   46

and is continuing under the indenture, or if we are in default with respect to
our obligations under the guarantee.

     If any of these events occur, we may not:

     - declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase,
       acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our
       capital stock, other than stock dividends, non-cash dividends in
       connection with the implementation of a shareholder rights plan,
       purchases of common stock in connection with employee benefit plans or in
       connection with the reclassification of any class of our capital stock
       into another class of capital stock, or allow any of our direct or
       indirect subsidiaries to do the same with respect to their capital stock,
       other than payment of dividends or distributions to us or to any of our
       direct or indirect subsidiaries;

     - make, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to make, any
       payment of principal, interest or premium on, or repay or repurchase or
       redeem any of our debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the
       debentures;

     - make, or allow any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries to make, any
       guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee by us of the debt
       securities of any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries if the guarantee
       ranks equally with or junior to the debentures, other than payments under
       the guarantee; or

     - redeem, purchase or acquire less than all of the debentures or any of the
       preferred securities.

SUBORDINATION

     The debentures are subordinated and junior in right of payment to all of
our senior and subordinated debt, as defined below. Upon any payment or
distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding
up or reorganization of our company, whether voluntary or involuntary in
bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings in connection with any
insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, the holders of our senior and subordinated
debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest
before the holders of debentures will be entitled to receive or retain any
payment in respect of the debentures.

     If the maturity of any debentures is accelerated, the holders of all of our
senior and subordinated debt outstanding at the time of the acceleration will
also be entitled to first receive payment in full of all amounts due to them,
including any amounts due upon acceleration, before the holders of the
debentures will be entitled to receive or retain any principal or interest
payments on the debentures.

     No payments of principal or interest on the debentures may be made if there
has occurred and is continuing a default in any payment with respect to any of
our senior or subordinated debt or an event of default with respect to any of
our senior or subordinated debt resulting in the acceleration of the maturity of
the senior or subordinated debt, or if any judicial proceeding is pending with
respect to any default.

     The term "debt" means, with respect to any person, whether recourse is to
all, or a portion, of the assets of the person and whether or not contingent:

     - every obligation of the person for money borrowed;

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   47

     - every obligation of the person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or
       other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection
       with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses;

     - every reimbursement obligation of the person with respect to letters of
       credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account
       of the person;

     - every obligation of the person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase
       price of property or services, excluding trade accounts payable or
       accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business;

     - every capital lease obligation of the person; and

     - every obligation of the type referred to in the first five points of
       another person and all dividends of another person the payment of which,
       in either case, the first person has guaranteed or is responsible or
       liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise.

     The term "senior debt" means the principal of, and premium and interest,
including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy
or for reorganization relating to us, on, debt, whether incurred on or prior to
the date of the indenture or incurred after such date. However, senior debt will
not be deemed to include:

     - any debt where it is provided in the instrument creating the debt that
       the obligations are not superior in right of payment to the debentures or
       to other debt which is equal with, or subordinated to, the debentures;

     - any of our debt that when incurred and without regard to any election
       under the federal bankruptcy laws, was without recourse to us;

     - any debt of ours to any of our non-bank subsidiaries;

     - any debt to any of our employees;

     - any debt that by its terms is subordinated to trade accounts payable or
       accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business to the
       extent that payments made to the holders of the debt by the holders of
       the debentures as a result of the subordination provisions of the
       indenture would be greater than they otherwise would have been as a
       result of any obligation of the holders to pay amounts over to the
       obligees on the trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in
       the ordinary course of business as a result of subordination provisions
       to which the debt is subject; and

     - debt which constitutes subordinated debt.

     The term "subordinated debt" means the principal of, and premium and
interest, including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to us, on, debt. Subordinated debt
includes debt incurred on or prior to the date of the indenture or thereafter
incurred, which is by its terms expressly provided to be junior and subordinate
to other debt of ours, other than the debentures. However, subordinated debt
will not be deemed to include:

     - any of our debt that when incurred and without regard to any election
       under the federal bankruptcy laws was without recourse to us;

     - any debt of ours to any of our subsidiaries;

     - any debt to any of our employees;

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   48

     - any debt which by its terms is subordinated to trade accounts payable or
       accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business to the
       extent that payments made to the holders of the debt by the holders of
       the debentures as a result of the subordination provisions of the
       indenture would be greater than they otherwise would have been as a
       result of any obligation of the holders to pay amounts over to the
       obligees on the trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in
       the ordinary course of business as a result of subordination provisions
       to which the debt is subject;

     - debt which constitutes senior debt; and

     - any debt of ours under debt securities (and guarantees in respect of
       these debt securities) initially issued to any trust, or a trustee of a
       trust, partnership or other entity affiliated with us that is, directly
       or indirectly, our finance subsidiary in connection with the issuance by
       that entity of preferred securities or other securities which are
       intended to qualify for "Tier 1" capital treatment.

     We expect from time to time to incur additional indebtedness, and there is
no limitation under the indenture on the amount of indebtedness we may incur. We
had consolidated senior debt of approximately $8.0 million outstanding principal
amount at September 30, 2000. Although we expect to repay approximately $7.8
million of our consolidated debt from the sale of the debentures, we expect to
incur additional senior or subordinated debt in the future.

PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS

     Generally, payment of principal of and interest on the debentures will be
made at the office of the indenture trustee in Wilmington, Delaware. However, we
have the option to make payment of any interest by (a) check mailed to the
address of the person entitled to payment at the address listed in the register
of holders of the debentures, or (b) wire transfer to an account maintained by
the person entitled thereto as specified in the register of holders of the
debentures, provided that proper transfer instructions have been received by the
applicable record date. Payment of any interest on debentures will be made to
the person in whose name the debenture is registered at the close of business on
the regular record date for the interest payment, except in the case of
defaulted interest.

     Any moneys deposited with the indenture trustee or any paying agent for the
debentures, or then held by us in trust, for the payment of the principal of or
interest on the debentures and remaining unclaimed for two years after the
principal or interest has become due and payable, will be repaid to us on June
30 of each year. If we hold any of this money in trust, then it will be
discharged from Baylake Capital Trust to us and the holder of the debenture will
thereafter look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to us for payment.

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

     The indenture trustee will act as the registrar and the transfer agent for
the debentures. Debentures 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 registrar. Provided that we
maintain a transfer agent in Wilmington, Delaware or the Borough of Manhattan,
City of New York, we may rescind the designation of any transfer agent or
approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts. We may
at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to the debentures.

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     If we redeem any of the debentures, neither we nor the indenture trustee
will be required to (a) issue, register the transfer of or exchange any
debentures during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before
the day of the mailing of and ending at the close of business on the day of the
mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (b) transfer or exchange any
debentures so selected for redemption, except, in the case of any debentures
being redeemed in part, any portion not to be redeemed.

MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE

     We and the indenture trustee may, from time to time without the consent of
the holders of the debentures, amend, waive our rights under or supplement the
indenture for purposes which do not materially adversely affect the rights of
the holders of the debentures. Other changes may be made by us and the indenture
trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in total principal amount
of the outstanding debentures. However, without the consent of the holder of
each outstanding debenture affected by the proposed modification, no
modification may:

     - extend the maturity date of the debentures;

     - reduce the principal amount or the rate or extend the time of payment of
       interest; or

     - reduce the percentage of principal amount of debentures required to amend
       the indenture.

As long as any of the preferred securities remain outstanding, no modification
of the indenture may be made that requires the consent of the holders of the
debentures, no termination of the indenture may occur, and no waiver of any
event of default under the indenture may be effective, without the prior consent
of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the
preferred securities.

DEBENTURE EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     The indenture provides that any one or more of the following events with
respect to the debentures constitutes an event of default under the indenture:

     - our failure to pay any interest on the debentures for 30 days after the
       due date, except where we have properly extended the interest payment;

     - our failure to pay any principal on the debentures when due whether at
       maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;

     - our failure to observe or perform in any material respect any other
       covenants or agreements contained in the indenture for 90 days after
       written notice to us from the indenture trustee or the holders of at
       least 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the debentures; or

     - our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or dissolution of Baylake
       Capital Trust (except for certain transactions specifically permitted by
       the trust agreement).

     The holders of a majority of the 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 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 an event of default under the indenture. The holders of a majority of the
outstanding principal amount of the debentures

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may rescind and annul the declaration and waive the default if the default has
been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and
principal due otherwise than by acceleration, has been deposited with the
indenture trustee. The holders may not annul the declaration and waive a default
if the default is the non-payment of the principal of the debentures which has
become due solely by the acceleration. Should the holders of the debentures fail
to annul the declaration and waive the default, the holders of at least 25% in
aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities will have this right.

     If an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing,
the property trustee 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 its other rights as a creditor
with respect to the debentures.

     We are required to file annually with the indenture trustee a certificate
as to whether or not we are in compliance with all of the conditions and
covenants applicable to us under the indenture.

ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RIGHTS BY HOLDERS OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES

     If an event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing
and the event is attributable to the failure by us to pay interest on or
principal of the debentures on the date on which the payment is due and payable,
then a holder of preferred securities may institute a direct action against us
to compel us to make the payment. We may not amend the indenture to remove the
foregoing right to bring a direct action without the prior written consent of
all of the holders of the preferred securities. If the right to bring a direct
action is removed, Baylake Capital Trust may become subject to the reporting
obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

     The holders of the 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 been an event of
default under the trust agreement. See "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Events of Default; Notice" on page 33.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OF ASSETS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

     We may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey or
transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity,
and no entity may be consolidated with or merged into us or sell, convey,
transfer or otherwise dispose of its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to us, unless:

     - if we consolidate with or merge into another person or convey or transfer
       our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, the
       successor person is organized under the laws of the United States or any
       state or the District of Columbia, and the successor person expressly
       assumes by supplemental indenture our obligations on the debentures;

     - immediately after the transaction, no event of default under the
       indenture, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both,
       would become an event of default under the indenture, has occurred and is
       continuing; and

     - certain other conditions as prescribed in the indenture are satisfied.

     Under certain circumstances, if we consolidate or merge with another
entity, or transfer or sell substantially all of our assets to another entity,
such transaction may be considered to involve a replacement of Baylake Capital
Trust, and the provisions of the

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trust agreement relating to a replacement of Baylake Capital Trust would apply
to such transaction. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Mergers,
Consolidations, Amalgamations or Replacements of Baylake Capital Trust"
beginning on page 34.

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

     The indenture will cease to be of further effect and we will be deemed to
have satisfied and discharged our obligations under the indenture when all
debentures not previously delivered to the indenture trustee for cancellation:

     - have become due and payable; or

     - will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or
       are to be called for redemption within one year, and we deposit or cause
       to be deposited with the indenture trustee funds, in trust, for the
       purpose and in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
       indebtedness on the debentures not previously delivered to the indenture
       trustee for cancellation, for the principal and interest due to the date
       of the deposit or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case
       may be.

     We may still be required to provide officers' certificates, opinions of
counsel and pay fees and expenses due after these events occur.

GOVERNING LAW

     The indenture and the debentures will be governed by and construed in
accordance with Wisconsin law.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE

     The indenture trustee is 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 security or indemnity by the
holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred. 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.

MISCELLANEOUS

     We have agreed, pursuant to the indenture, for so long as preferred
securities remain outstanding:

     - to maintain directly or indirectly 100% ownership of the common
       securities of Baylake Capital Trust, except that certain successors that
       are permitted pursuant to the indenture may succeed to our ownership of
       the common securities;

     - not to voluntarily terminate, wind up or liquidate Baylake Capital Trust
       without prior approval of the Federal Reserve, if required by law or
       regulation;

     - to use our reasonable efforts to cause Baylake Capital Trust (a) to
       remain a business trust, and to avoid involuntary termination, winding up
       or liquidation, except in connection with a distribution of debentures,
       the redemption of all of the trust securities or mergers, consolidations
       or amalgamations, each as permitted by the trust agreement, and (b) to
       otherwise continue not to be treated as an

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       association taxable as a corporation or a partnership for federal income
       tax purposes;

     - to use our reasonable efforts to cause each holder of trust securities to
       be treated as owning an individual beneficial interest in the debentures;

     - to use our reasonable efforts to maintain the eligibility of the
       preferred securities for quotation or listing on any national securities
       exchange or other organization for as long as the preferred securities
       are outstanding; and

     - not to issue directly or indirectly additional trust preferred securities
       that are senior in right of payment to the preferred securities.

                              BOOK-ENTRY ISSUANCE

GENERAL

     DTC will act as securities depositary for the preferred securities and may
act as securities depositary for all of the debentures in the event of the
distribution of the debentures to the holders of preferred securities. Except as
described below, the preferred securities will be issued only as registered
securities in the name of Cede & Co., as DTC's nominee. One or more global
preferred securities will be issued for the preferred securities and will be
deposited with DTC.

     DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under 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 Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC
holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates
the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers
and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry
changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain
other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by
the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also
available to indirect participants, such as securities brokers and dealers,
banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain custodial relationships
with direct participants, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to
DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

     Purchases of preferred securities within the DTC system must be made by or
through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the preferred
securities on the DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser
of each preferred security is in turn to be recorded on the direct and indirect
participants' records. These beneficial owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as
periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants
through which the beneficial owners purchased preferred securities. Transfers of
ownership interests in the preferred securities are to be accomplished by
entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners.
Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership
interest in preferred securities, except if use of the book-entry-only system
for the preferred securities is discontinued.

                                       49
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     DTC will have no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the preferred
securities; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participants
to whose accounts the preferred securities are credited, which may or may not be
the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping
account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

     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 and
Baylake Capital Trust assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Neither
we nor Baylake Capital Trust have any responsibility for the performance by DTC
or its participants of their respective obligations as described in this
prospectus or under the rules and procedures governing their respective
operations.

NOTICES AND VOTING

     Conveyance of 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.

     Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of
the preferred securities. If less than all of the preferred securities are being
redeemed, the amount to be redeemed will be determined in accordance with the
trust agreement.

     Although voting with respect to the preferred securities is limited to the
holders of record of the preferred securities, in those instances in which a
vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with
respect to preferred securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an
omnibus proxy to the property 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 the preferred securities are credited on
the record date.

DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS

     The property trustee will make distributions on the preferred securities to
DTC. DTC's practice is to credit direct participants' accounts 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 the
payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of
the participant and not of DTC, the property trustee, Baylake Capital Trust 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
property trustee, disbursement of the payments to direct participants is the
responsibility of DTC, and disbursements of the payments to the beneficial
owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARIES AND TERMINATION OF BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM

     DTC may discontinue providing its services with respect to any of the
preferred securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the property
trustee or us. If no successor securities depositary is obtained, definitive
certificates representing the preferred securities are required to be printed
and delivered. We also have the option to discontinue use of the system of
book-entry transfers through DTC, or a successor depositary. After an event of
default under the indenture, the holders of a majority in liquidation amount of

                                       50
   54

preferred securities may determine to discontinue the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC. In these events, definitive certificates for the
preferred securities will be printed and delivered.

                          DESCRIPTION OF THE GUARANTEE

     The preferred securities guarantee agreement will be executed and delivered
by us concurrently with the issuance of the preferred securities for the benefit
of the holders of the preferred securities. The guarantee agreement will be
qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Wilmington Trust
Company, the guarantee trustee, will act as trustee for purposes of complying
with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, and will also hold the guarantee
for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities.

     The following discussion contains a description of the material provisions
of the guarantee and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the guarantee agreement and to the Trust Indenture Act. We urge
prospective investors to read the form of the guarantee agreement, which is
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms
a part.

GENERAL

     We agree to pay in full on a subordinated basis, to the extent described in
the guarantee agreement, the guarantee payments, as defined below, to the
holders of the preferred securities, as and when due, regardless of any defense,
right of set-off or counterclaim that Baylake Capital Trust may have or assert
other than the defense of payment.

     The following payments with respect to the preferred securities are called
the "guarantee payments" and, to the extent not paid or made by Baylake Capital
Trust and to the extent that Baylake Capital Trust has funds available for those
distributions, will be subject to the guarantee:

     - any accumulated and unpaid distributions required to be paid on the
       preferred securities;

     - with respect to any preferred securities called for redemption, the
       redemption price; and

     - upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding up or termination of
       Baylake Capital Trust (other than in connection with the distribution of
       debentures to the holders of preferred securities in exchange for
       preferred securities), the lesser of:

      (a)  the amount of the liquidation distribution; or

      (b)  the amount of assets of Baylake Capital Trust remaining available for
           distribution to holders of preferred securities in liquidation of the
           trust.

We may satisfy our obligations to make a guarantee payment by making a direct
payment of the required amounts to the holders of the preferred securities or by
causing Baylake Capital Trust to pay the amounts to the holders.

     The guarantee agreement is a guarantee, on a subordinated basis, of the
guarantee payments, but the guarantee only applies to the extent Baylake Capital
Trust has funds available for those distributions. If we do not make interest
payments on the debentures purchased by Baylake Capital Trust, Baylake Capital
Trust will not have funds available to make the distributions and will not pay
distributions on the preferred securities.

                                       51
   55

STATUS OF THE GUARANTEE

     The guarantee constitutes our unsecured obligation that ranks subordinate
and junior in right of payment to all of our senior and subordinated debt in the
same manner as the debentures. We expect to incur additional indebtedness in the
future, although we have no specific plans in this regard presently, and neither
the indenture nor the trust agreement limits the amounts of the obligations that
we may incur.

     The guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment and not of collection. If
we fail to make guarantee payments when required, holders of preferred
securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce their
rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against
any other person or entity.

     The guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the guarantee
payments in full to the extent not paid by Baylake Capital Trust or upon
distribution of the debentures to the holders of the preferred securities.
Because we are a bank holding company, our right to participate in any
distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon the subsidiary's liquidation or
reorganization or otherwise is subject to the prior claims of creditors of that
subsidiary, except to the extent we may be recognized as a creditor of that
subsidiary. Our obligations under the guarantee, therefore, will be effectively
subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, and
claimants should look only to our assets for payments under the guarantee.

AMENDMENTS AND ASSIGNMENT

     Except with respect to any changes that do not materially adversely affect
the rights of holders of the preferred securities, in which case no vote will be
required, the guarantee may be amended only with the prior approval of the
holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding
preferred securities. See "Description of the Preferred Securities -- Voting
Rights; Amendment of Trust Agreement" beginning on page 35.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES

     An event of default under the guarantee agreement will occur upon our
failure to make any required guarantee payments or to perform any other
obligations under the guarantee. The holders of a majority in aggregate
liquidation amount of the 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 in respect of the guarantee and may direct the exercise of
any power conferred upon the guarantee trustee under the guarantee agreement.

     Any holder of preferred securities may institute and prosecute a legal
proceeding directly against us 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.

     We are required to provide to the guarantee trustee annually a certificate
as to whether or not we are in compliance with all of the conditions and
covenants applicable to us under the guarantee agreement.

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 preferred securities;

                                       52
   56

     - full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of Baylake Capital
       Trust; or

     - distribution of the debentures to the holders of the preferred
       securities.

If at any time any holder of the preferred securities must restore payment of
any sums paid under the preferred securities or the guarantee, the guarantee
will continue to be effective or will be reinstated with respect to such
amounts.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GUARANTEE TRUSTEE

     The guarantee trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of
our default in performance of the guarantee, undertakes to perform only those
duties as are specifically set forth in the guarantee. When an event of default
has occurred and is continuing, the guarantee trustee 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 those provisions, 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 any preferred securities unless it is
offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that
might be incurred thereby.

EXPENSE AGREEMENT

     We will, pursuant to the agreement as to expenses and liabilities entered
into by us and Baylake Capital Trust under the trust agreement, irrevocably and
unconditionally guarantee to each person or entity to whom Baylake Capital Trust
becomes indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or
liabilities of Baylake Capital Trust, other than obligations of Baylake Capital
Trust to pay to the holders of the preferred securities or other similar
interests in Baylake Capital Trust of the amounts due to the holders pursuant to
the terms of the preferred securities or other similar interests, as the case
may be. Third party creditors of Baylake Capital Trust may proceed directly
against us under the expense agreement, regardless of whether they had notice of
the expense agreement.

GOVERNING LAW

     The guarantee will be governed by Wisconsin law.

                                       53
   57

                  RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
                        THE DEBENTURES AND THE GUARANTEE

FULL AND UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE

     We irrevocably guarantee, as and to the extent described in this
prospectus, payments of distributions and other amounts due on the preferred
securities, to the extent the trust has funds available for the payment of these
amounts. We and Baylake Capital Trust believe that, taken together, our
obligations under the debentures, the indenture, the trust agreement, the
expense agreement and the guarantee agreement provide, in the aggregate, a full,
irrevocable and unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated basis, of payment of
distributions and other amounts due on the 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 obligations of Baylake Capital Trust under the
preferred securities.

     If and to the extent that we do not make payments on the debentures,
Baylake Capital Trust will not pay distributions or other amounts due on the
preferred securities. The guarantee does not cover payment of distributions when
Baylake Capital Trust does not have sufficient funds to pay the distributions.
In this event, the remedy of a holder of preferred securities is to institute a
legal proceeding directly against us for enforcement of payment of the
distributions to the holder. Our obligations under the guarantee are
subordinated and junior in right of payment to all of our other indebtedness.

SUFFICIENCY OF PAYMENTS

     As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the
debentures, these payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and other
payments due on the 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 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 preferred securities;

     - we will pay for any and all costs, expenses and liabilities of Baylake
       Capital Trust, except the obligations of Baylake Capital Trust to pay to
       holders of the preferred securities the amounts due to the holders
       pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities; and

     - Baylake Capital Trust will not engage in any activity that is not
       consistent with the limited purposes of Baylake Capital Trust.

ENFORCEMENT RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES

     A holder of any preferred security may institute a legal proceeding
directly against us to enforce its rights under the guarantee without first
instituting a legal proceeding against the guarantee trustee, the trust or any
other person. A default or event of default under any of our senior or
subordinated debt would not constitute a default or event of default under the
trust agreement. In the event, however, of payment defaults under, or
acceleration of, our senior or subordinated debt, the subordination provisions
of the

                                       54
   58

indenture provide that no payments may be made in respect of the debentures
until the obligations have 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 trust agreement.

LIMITED PURPOSE OF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST

     The preferred securities evidence preferred undivided beneficial interests
in the assets of Baylake Capital Trust. Baylake Capital Trust exists for the
exclusive purposes of issuing the trust securities, investing the proceeds
thereof in debentures issued by us and engaging in only those other activities
necessary, advisable or incidental thereto. A principal difference between the
rights of a holder of a preferred security and the rights of a holder of a
debenture is that a holder of a debenture is entitled to receive from us the
principal amount of and interest accrued on debentures held, while a holder of
preferred securities is entitled to receive distributions from Baylake Capital
Trust, or from us under the guarantee agreement, if and to the extent Baylake
Capital Trust has funds available for the payment of the distributions.

RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION

     Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of
Baylake Capital Trust involving the liquidation of the debentures, the holders
of the preferred securities will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by
Baylake Capital Trust, the liquidation distribution in cash. See "Description of
the Preferred Securities -- Liquidation Distribution Upon Termination" beginning
on page 31.

     Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy, the property
trustee, as holder of the debentures, would be a subordinated creditor of ours.
Therefore, the property trustee would be subordinated in right of payment to all
of our senior and subordinated debt, but is entitled to receive payment in full
of principal and interest before any of our shareholders receive payments or
distributions. Since we are the guarantor under the guarantee and have agreed to
pay for all costs, expenses and liabilities of Baylake Capital Trust other than
the obligations of Baylake Capital Trust to pay to holders of the preferred
securities the amounts due to the holders pursuant to the terms of the preferred
securities, the positions of a holder of the preferred securities and a holder
of the debentures relative to our other creditors and to our stockholders in the
event of liquidation or bankruptcy are expected to be substantially the same.

                    MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

GENERAL

     The following discussion of the material federal income tax considerations
that may be relevant to the purchasers of preferred securities represents the
opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation, special counsel to
us and Baylake Capital Trust insofar as it relates to matters of law and legal
conclusions. The conclusions expressed herein are based upon current provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code regulations thereunder and current administrative
rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change at any time,
with possible retroactive effect. Subsequent changes may cause tax consequences
to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Furthermore, the
authorities on which the following summary is based are subject to various
interpretations, and it is therefore possible that the federal income tax
treatment of the

                                       55
   59

purchase, ownership and disposition of preferred securities may differ from the
treatment described below.

     No attempt has been made in the following discussion to comment on all
federal income tax matters affecting purchasers of preferred securities.
Moreover, unless otherwise stated, the discussion addresses only preferred
securities held as capital assets by holders who are individual citizens or
residents of the U.S. and who purchase preferred securities at original
issuance. The discussion does not address all the tax consequences that may be
relevant to holders who may be subject to special tax treatment, such as, for
example, banks, thrifts, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment
companies, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, tax-exempt
investors or persons that will hold the preferred securities as a position in a
"straddle," as part of a "synthetic security" or "hedge," as part of a
"conversion transaction" or other integrated investment, or as other than a
capital asset. The following discussion also does not address the tax
consequences to persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S.
dollar or the tax consequences to shareholders, partners or beneficiaries of a
holder of preferred securities. Further, it does not include any description of
any alternative minimum tax consequences or the tax laws of any state or local
government or of any foreign government that may be applicable to the preferred
securities. Accordingly, to the extent not addressed in this discussion, each
prospective investor should consult, and should rely exclusively on, the
investor's own tax advisors in analyzing the federal, state, local and foreign
tax consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of preferred
securities with regard to the personal tax consequences specific to that
investor, which may vary for investors in different tax situations.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE DEBENTURES

     In the opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., the debentures will be
classified for federal income tax purposes under current law as our
indebtedness, and, by acceptance of a preferred security, each holder covenants
to treat the debentures as indebtedness and the preferred securities as evidence
of an indirect beneficial ownership interest in the debentures. No assurance can
be given, however, that this position will not be challenged by the Internal
Revenue Service or, if challenged, that it will be sustained. The remainder of
this discussion assumes that the debentures will be classified for federal
income tax purposes as our indebtedness.

CLASSIFICATION OF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST

     With respect to the preferred securities, Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., is of
the opinion that under current law and assuming full compliance with the terms
of the trust agreement and indenture, Baylake Capital Trust will be classified
for federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and not as an association
taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, for federal income tax purposes, each
holder of preferred securities generally will be treated as owning an undivided
beneficial interest in the debentures, and each holder will be required to
include in its gross income any interest with respect to the debentures at the
time such interest is accrued or is received, in accordance with the holder's
method of accounting. If the debentures were determined to be subject to the
original issue discount, or OID, rules, each holder would instead be required to
include in its gross income any OID accrued with respect to its allocable share
of the debentures whether or not cash was actually distributed to the holder.

                                       56
   60

INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD AND ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT

     United States holders, including cash basis taxpayers, of debt instruments
issued with OID must generally include such OID in income as it accrues on a
constant yield method even if there is not a corresponding receipt of cash
attributable to such income. Debt instruments such as the debentures will
generally be treated as issued with OID if the stated interest on the instrument
does not constitute "qualified stated interest." Qualified stated interest is
generally any one of a series of stated interest payments on an instrument that
are unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed rate. In
determining whether stated interest on an instrument is unconditionally payable
and thus constitutes qualified stated interest, remote contingencies as to the
timely payment of stated interest are ignored. In the case of the debentures, we
have concluded that the likelihood of exercising our option to defer payments of
interest is remote. This is in part because we are currently paying, and have a
history of paying, dividends on our common stock and intend to continue to do
so. If we exercised our option to defer payments of interest, we would be unable
to continue paying these dividends, which could adversely affect the market for
our common stock.

     If the option to defer any payment of interest was determined not to be
"remote" or if we elect to exercise our option to defer the payment of interest,
the debentures would be treated as issued with OID at the time of issuance or at
the time of such exercise, as the case may be, and all stated interest would
thereafter be treated as OID as long as the debentures remained outstanding. In
such event, all of a holder's taxable interest income in respect of the
debentures would constitute OID that would have to be included in income on a
constant yield method before the receipt of the cash attributable to such
income, regardless of such holder's method of tax accounting, and actual
distributions of stated interest would not be reported as taxable income.
Consequently, a holder of preferred securities would be required to include such
OID in gross income even though he would not receive any cash payments during an
extension period.

     The above information is based on promulgated Treasury Regulations, which
have not been interpreted by any court decisions or addressed in any ruling or
other pronouncements of the IRS, and it is possible that the IRS could take a
position contrary to the conclusions herein. If the IRS were to assert
successfully that the stated interest on the debentures was OID regardless of
whether we exercise our right to defer payments of interest on such debentures,
a holder of preferred securities would be required to include such stated
interest in income on a constant yield basis as described above.

     Because income on the preferred securities will constitute interest,
corporate holders of preferred securities will not be entitled to a
dividends-received deduction with respect to any income recognized with respect
to the preferred securities.

MARKET DISCOUNT AND ACQUISITION PREMIUM

     In the opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., holders of preferred
securities other than a holder who purchased the preferred securities upon
original issuance may be considered to have acquired their undivided interests
in the debentures with "market discount" or "acquisition premium" as these
phrases are defined for federal income tax purposes. Such holders are advised to
consult their tax advisors as to the income tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of the preferred securities.

                                       57
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RECEIPT OF DEBENTURES OR CASH UPON LIQUIDATION OF BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST

     Under the circumstances described under "Description of the Preferred
Securities -- Redemption or Exchange" beginning on page 27 and "-- Liquidation
Distribution Upon Termination" beginning on page 31, the debentures may be
distributed to holders of preferred securities upon a liquidation of Baylake
Capital Trust. Under current federal income tax law, such a distribution would
be treated as a nontaxable event to the holder and would result in the holder
having an aggregate tax basis in the debentures received in the liquidation
equal to the holder's aggregate tax basis in the preferred securities
immediately before the distribution. A holder's holding period in debentures
received in liquidation of Baylake Capital Trust would include the period for
which the holder held the preferred securities.

     If, however, a Tax Event occurs which results in Baylake Capital Trust
being treated as an association taxable as a corporation, the distribution would
likely constitute a taxable event to holders of the preferred securities. Under
certain circumstances described herein, the debentures may be redeemed for cash
and the proceeds of the redemption distributed to holders in redemption of their
preferred securities. Under current law, such a redemption should, to the extent
that it constitutes a complete redemption, constitute a taxable disposition of
the redeemed preferred securities, and, for federal income tax purposes, a
holder should therefore recognize gain or loss as if the holder sold the
preferred securities for cash.

DISPOSITION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES

     A holder that sells preferred securities will recognize gain or loss equal
to the difference between the amount realized on the sale of the preferred
securities and the holder's adjusted tax basis in the preferred securities. A
holder's adjusted tax basis in the preferred securities generally will be its
initial purchase price increased by OID, if any, previously includable in the
holder's gross income to the date of disposition and decreased by payments other
than qualified stated interest received on the preferred securities to the date
of disposition. A gain or loss of this kind will generally be a capital gain or
loss and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the preferred securities
have been held for more than one year at the time of sale.

     The preferred securities may trade at a price that does not accurately
reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying
debentures. A holder that disposes of its preferred securities between record
dates for payments of distributions thereon will be required to include accrued
but unpaid interest on the debentures through the date of disposition in income
as ordinary income, and to add the amount to its adjusted tax basis in its
proportionate share of the underlying debentures deemed disposed of. To the
extent the selling price is less than the holder's adjusted tax basis a holder
will recognize a capital loss. The adjusted basis would include, in the form of
OID, all accrued but unpaid interest. Subject to certain limited exceptions,
capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for federal income
tax purposes.

EFFECT OF POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAWS

     Congress and the previous Presidential Administration have considered
certain proposed tax law changes in the past that would, among other things,
generally deny corporate issuers a deduction for interest in respect of certain
debt obligations if the debt obligations have a maximum term in excess of 15
years and are not shown as indebtedness on the issuer's applicable consolidated
balance sheet. Other proposed tax law changes

                                       58
   62

would have denied interest deductions if the term was in excess of 20 years.
Although these proposed tax law changes have not been enacted into law, there
can be no assurance that tax law changes will not be reintroduced into future
legislation which, if enacted after the date hereof, may adversely affect the
federal income tax deductibility of interest payable on the debentures.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a Tax Event will not occur. A Tax
Event would permit us, upon approval of the Federal Reserve, if then required,
to cause a redemption of the preferred securities before, as well as after,
March 31, 2006. See "Description of the Debentures -- Redemption" on page 42 and
"Description of the Preferred Securities -- Redemption or Exchange -- Redemption
upon a Tax Event, Investment Company Event or Capital Treatment Event" beginning
on page 28.

INFORMATION REPORTING

     Generally, interest paid, or, if applicable, OID accrued, on the preferred
securities held of record by individual citizens or residents of the United
States, or certain trusts, estates and partnerships, will be reported to the
Internal Revenue Service on Forms 1099-INT, or, where applicable, Forms
1099-OID, which forms should be mailed to the holders by January 31 following
each calendar year.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING

     Unless a holder of preferred securities complies with certain
identification requirements, "backup" withholding tax of 31% may apply to
payments made on, and proceeds from the sale of, preferred securities. Any
withheld amounts will be allowed as a credit against the holder's federal income
tax liability, provided the required information is provided to the Internal
Revenue Service on a timely basis.

     THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON THE PARTICULAR
SITUATION OF A HOLDER OF PREFERRED SECURITIES. HOLDERS OF PREFERRED SECURITIES
SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM
OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES,
INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS
AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS TO THE EXTENT
THAT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES ARE NOT ADDRESSED ABOVE, SUCH AS THE PARTICULAR
PERSONAL TAX CONSEQUENCES WHICH MAY VARY FOR INVESTORS IN DIFFERENT TAX
SITUATIONS.

                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

     Employee benefit plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 or ERISA, or section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code,
generally may purchase preferred securities, subject to the investing
fiduciary's determination that the investment in preferred securities satisfies
ERISA's fiduciary standards and other requirements applicable to investments by
the plan.

     In any case, we and/or any of our affiliates may be considered a "party in
interest" (within the meaning of ERISA) or a "disqualified person" (within the
meaning of section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect to certain
plans. These plans generally include plans with respect to which we or any of
our affiliates are a fiduciary or provide services to either the plan or the
sponsor or contributor to such plan. The acquisition and ownership of preferred
securities by a plan (or by an individual retirement arrangement described in
section 4975(e)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code) with respect

                                       59
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to which we or any of our affiliates are considered a party in interest or a
disqualified person may result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or the
Internal Revenue Code, unless the preferred securities are acquired pursuant to
and in accordance with an applicable exemption.

     As a result, plans with respect to which we or any of our affiliates or any
of its affiliates is a party in interest or a disqualified person should not
acquire preferred securities unless the preferred securities are acquired
pursuant to and in accordance with an applicable exemption. Any other plans or
other entities whose assets include plan assets subject to ERISA or section 4795
of the Internal Revenue Code proposing to acquire preferred securities should
consult with their own counsel.

                                  UNDERWRITING

     Howe Barnes Investments, Inc. is acting as representative of the
underwriters listed below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
underwriting agreement among us, Baylake Capital Trust and the underwriters, the
underwriters have severally agreed to purchase from Baylake Capital Trust, and
Baylake Capital Trust has agreed to sell to them, the number of preferred
securities listed below opposite their names.



                                                                  NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS                                                 PREFERRED SECURITIES
- ------------                                                 --------------------
                                                          
Howe Barnes Investments, Inc...............................

                                                                  ---------
  Total....................................................       1,200,000
                                                                  =========


     Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the
underwriters are committed to accept and pay for all of the preferred
securities, if any are taken. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting
agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting
underwriters may be increased or, in certain cases, the underwriting agreement
may be terminated. In the underwriting agreement, the obligations of the
underwriters are subject to approval of certain legal matters by their counsel,
including the authorization and the validity of the preferred securities, and to
other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt by the
underwriters of officers' certificates and legal opinions.

     The underwriters propose to offer the preferred securities directly to the
public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
prospectus, and to certain securities dealers (who may include the underwriters)
at this price, less a concession not in excess of $          per preferred
security. The underwriters may allow, and the selected dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $          per preferred security to certain brokers
and dealers.

     Baylake Capital Trust has granted to the underwriters an option,
exercisable within 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to
180,000 additional preferred securities at the same price per preferred security
as set forth below. If the underwriters purchase any of the additional preferred
securities under this option, each underwriter will be committed to purchase the
additional shares in approximately the same proportion as allocated to them in
the table above. The underwriters may exercise the option only for the purpose
of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the distribution of
the preferred securities being offered.

                                       60
   64

     If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional preferred
securities, Baylake Capital Trust will issue and sell to us additional common
securities, and we will issue and sell to Baylake Capital Trust debentures in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the total aggregate liquidation amount of
the additional preferred securities being purchased under the option and the
additional common securities sold to us.

     The table below shows the price and proceeds on a per security and
aggregate basis. The proceeds to be received by Baylake Capital Trust, as shown
in the table below, do not reflect various expenses of the offering, including
registration and stock exchange fees, trustees' fees, accounting fees and
related expenses, fees and expenses of our legal counsel, and printing expenses,
which are estimated to be $355,000 and payable by us.




                                                                                 TOTAL WITH
                                                                                  EXERCISE
                                                                                  OF OVER-
                                                  PER PREFERRED                   ALLOTMENT
                                                    SECURITY         TOTAL         OPTION
                                                  -------------   -----------   -------------
                                                                       
Public Offering Price...........................     $10.00       $12,000,000    $13,800,000
Proceeds, before expenses, to Baylake Capital
  Trust.........................................     $10.00       $12,000,000    $13,800,000
Underwriting commission.........................
Proceeds, before expenses, to us................



     The offering of the preferred securities is made for delivery when, as and
if accepted by the underwriters and subject to prior sale and to withdrawal,
cancellation or modification of the offering without notice. The underwriters
reserve the right to reject any order for the purchase of the preferred
securities. After the preferred securities are released for sale to the public,
the underwriters may, from time to time, change the offering price and other
selling terms.

     We and Baylake Capital Trust have agreed to indemnify the several
underwriters against several liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933.

     We have applied to have the preferred securities listed for trading on the
American Stock Exchange under the symbol "BYL.A", subject to official notice of
issuance. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing on the American
Stock Exchange, the underwriters have undertaken to sell the preferred
securities to a minimum of 400 owners. However, we cannot assure you as to the
liquidity of the preferred securities or that an active and liquid market will
develop or, if developed, that the market will continue. The offering price and
distribution rate have been determined by negotiations between the underwriters
and us, and the offering price of the preferred securities may not be indicative
of the market price following the offering. The representative of the
underwriters will have no obligation to make a market in the preferred
securities, however, and may cease market-making activities, if commenced, at
any time.

     In connection with the offering, the underwriters may engage in
transactions that are intended to stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the
price of the preferred securities during and after the offering, such as the
following:

     - the underwriters may over-allot or otherwise create a short position in
       the preferred securities for their own account by selling more preferred
       securities than have been sold to them;

     - the underwriters may elect to cover any short position by purchasing
       preferred securities in the open market or by exercising the
       over-allotment option;

                                       61
   65

     - the underwriters may stabilize or maintain the price of the preferred
       securities by bidding;

     - the underwriters may engage in passive market making transactions; and

     - the underwriters may impose penalty bids, under which selling concessions
       allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers participating in
       this offering are reclaimed if preferred securities previously
       distributed in the offering are repurchased in connection with
       stabilization transactions or otherwise.

The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market
price at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market.
The imposition of a penalty bid may also affect the price of the preferred
securities to the extent that it discourages resales. No representation is made
as to the magnitude or effect of any such stabilization or other transactions.
Such transactions may be effected on the American Stock Exchange or otherwise
and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

     Because the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. may view the
preferred securities as interests in a direct participation program, the offer
and sale of the preferred securities is being made in compliance with the
provisions of Rule 2810 under the NASD Conduct Rules.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

     Certain matters of Delaware law relating to the validity of the preferred
securities and the formation of Baylake Capital Trust have been passed upon by
Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware, special Delaware counsel
to us and Baylake Capital Trust. The validity of the preferred securities
guarantee, the debentures and matters relating to federal income tax
considerations have been passed upon for us by Jenkens & Gilchrist, a
Professional Corporation, Dallas, Texas, special counsel to us and Baylake
Capital Trust. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by
Chapman and Cutler, Chicago, Illinois. Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., has relied and
Chapman and Cutler will rely on the opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
as to matters of Delaware law.

                                    EXPERTS

     Our consolidated financial statements, incorporated in this prospectus by
reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, have been audited by Smith & Gesteland, LLP, independent auditors, as
set forth in their report included in our Annual Report. These consolidated
financial statements are incorporated by reference in this prospectus in
reliance upon the report given on the authority of Smith & Gesteland, LLP as
experts in accounting and auditing.

                                       62
   66

                         WHERE YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION

     This prospectus is a part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by
us and Baylake Capital Trust with the SEC under the Securities Act, with respect
to the preferred securities, the debentures and the guarantee. 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 Baylake and the securities
offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement,
including the exhibits to the registration statement and documents incorporated
by reference. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the provisions
of such documents are necessarily summaries of such documents and each such
statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the
applicable document filed with the SEC.

     We file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. Our filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web
site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also inspect and copy these materials at the
public reference facilities of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 75 Park Place, Room 1400, New York, New York 1000.
Copies of such material can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information.

     Baylake Capital Trust is not currently subject to the information reporting
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, although Baylake
Capital Trust will become subject to such requirements upon the effectiveness of
the registration statement, it is not expected that Baylake Capital Trust will
be required to file separate reports under the Securities Exchange Act.

     Each holder of the preferred securities will receive a copy of our annual
report at the same time as we furnish the annual report to the holders of our
common stock.

                                       63
   67

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     We "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the information in
documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important
information to you through those documents. The information incorporated by
reference is an important part of this prospectus. Some information contained in
this prospectus updates the information incorporated by reference and some
information that we file subsequently with the SEC will automatically update
this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, all of
which are filed under SEC File No. 0-8679:

     (a)  our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999,
          filed with the SEC on March 27, 2000;

     (b)  our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
          2000, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2000;


     (c)  our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000,
          filed with the SEC on August 11, 2000;



     (d)  our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
          2000, filed with the SEC on October 26, 2000, as amended by Form
          10-Q/A, filed with the SEC on December 22, 2000; and



     (e) our Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on February 1,
         2001, as amended by Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2001.


     We also incorporate by reference any filings we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after
the initial filing of the registration statement that contains this prospectus
and before the time that all of the securities offered in this prospectus are
sold.

     You may request, and we will provide, a copy of these filings at no cost by
contacting Steven D. Jennerjohn, our Treasurer, at the following address and
phone number:

                            Baylake Corp.
                            217 North Fourth Avenue
                            Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235
                            (920) 743-5551

                                       64
   68

             ------------------------------------------------------
             ------------------------------------------------------

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                          PAGE
                                          ----
                                       
Summary...............................      1
Selected Consolidated Financial and
  Other Data..........................      9
Recent Developments...................     11
Risk Factors..........................     12
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking
  Statements..........................     20
Use of Proceeds.......................     21
Capitalization........................     22
Accounting and Regulatory Treatment...     23
Description of Baylake Capital
  Trust...............................     24
Description of the Preferred
  Securities..........................     25
Description of the Debentures.........     39
Book-Entry Issuance...................     49
Description of the Guarantee..........     51
Relationship Among the Preferred
  Securities, the Debentures and the
  Guarantee...........................     54
Material Federal Income Tax
  Consequences........................     55
ERISA Considerations..................     59
Underwriting..........................     60
Legal Matters.........................     62
Experts...............................     62
Where You Can Find Information........     63
Documents Incorporated by Reference...     64



- - YOU SHOULD ONLY RELY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
  IN THIS PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT, AND OUR UNDERWRITERS HAVE NOT, AUTHORIZED ANY
  PERSON TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION. IF ANYONE PROVIDES YOU WITH
  DIFFERENT OR INCONSISTENT INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT.

- - WE ARE NOT, AND OUR UNDERWRITERS ARE NOT, MAKING AN OFFER TO SELL THESE
  SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

- - YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION APPEARING IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS
  ACCURATE AS OF THE DATE ON THE FRONT COVER OF THIS PROSPECTUS ONLY.

- - THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE SOLICITATION OF
  AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES.
             ------------------------------------------------------
             ------------------------------------------------------
             ------------------------------------------------------
             ------------------------------------------------------

                         1,200,000 PREFERRED SECURITIES

                            BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST I

                            % CUMULATIVE TRUST PREFERRED
                                   SECURITIES


                           LIQUIDATION AMOUNT $10 PER

                               PREFERRED SECURITY

                     FULLY, IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
                    GUARANTEED, ON A SUBORDINATED BASIS, AS
                        DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, BY

                              [BAYLAKE CORP. LOGO]

                              [BAYLAKE BANK LOGO]


                            ------------------------

                                   PROSPECTUS
                            ------------------------

                         HOWE BARNES INVESTMENTS, INC.


                                           , 2001


             ------------------------------------------------------
             ------------------------------------------------------
   69


                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

         The following table sets forth the various expenses payable in
connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered,
other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All of such expenses will be
paid by Baylake Corp. ("Baylake"). All amounts shown are estimates, except the
SEC registration fee and the NASD and the American Stock Exchange filing fees:


                                                                 
      SEC registration fee ........................................ $  4,554
      NASD filing fee..............................................    2,225
      American Stock Exchange filing fee...........................   15,000
      Trustees' fees...............................................   17,500
      Printing and mailing expenses................................   85,000
      Fees and expenses of counsel.................................  190,000
      Accounting and related expenses..............................   25,000
      Blue Sky fees and expenses...................................    3,500
      Miscellaneous................................................   12,221
                                                                      ------

                                 Total............................. $355,000
                                                                    ========


ITEM 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

                  Baylake is incorporated under the Wisconsin Business
Corporation Law ("WBCL"). Under Section 180.0851(1) of the WBCL, Baylake is
required to indemnify a director or officer, to the extent such person is
successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of a proceeding, for all
reasonable expenses incurred in the proceeding, if such person was a party
because he or she was a director or officer of Baylake. In all other cases,
Baylake is required by Section 180.0851(2) of the WBCL to indemnify a director
or officer against liability incurred in a proceeding to which such person was a
party because he or she was an officer or director of Baylake, unless it is
determined that he or she breached or failed to perform a duty owed to Baylake
and the breach or failure to perform constitutes: (i) a willful failure to deal
fairly with Baylake or its shareholders in connection with a matter in which
such person has a material conflict of interest; (ii) a violation of criminal
law, unless such person had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was
lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; (iii)
a transaction from which such person derived an improper personal profit; or
(iv) willful misconduct. Section 180.0858(1) of the WBCL provides that, subject
to certain limitations, the mandatory indemnification provisions of the WBCL do
not preclude any additional right to indemnification or allowance of expenses
that a director or officer may have under Baylake's articles of incorporation,
bylaws, a written agreement or a resolution of the Board of Directors or
shareholders.

                                      II-1
   70

                  Section 180.0859 of the WBCL provides that it is the public
policy of the State of Wisconsin to require or permit indemnification, allowance
of expenses and insurance to the extent required or permitted under Sections
180.0850 to 180.0858 of the WBCL for any liability incurred in connection with a
proceeding involving a federal or state statute, rule or regulation regulating
the offer, sale or purchase of securities.

                  Section 180.0828 of the WBCL provides that, with certain
exceptions, a director is not liable to a corporation, its shareholders, or any
person asserting rights on behalf of the corporation or its shareholders, for
damages, settlements, fees, fines, penalties or other monetary liabilities
arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty resulting solely from
his or her status as a director, unless the person asserting liability proves
that the breach or failure to perform constitutes any of the four exceptions to
mandatory indemnification under Section 180.0851(2) referred to above.

                  Under Section 180.0833 of the WBCL, a director who votes for
or assents to an improper dividend or other distribution to shareholders is
personally liable to the corporation for the amount of the distribution that
exceeds what could have been legally distributed if it is established that the
director's vote or assent constitutes conduct described by Section 180.0828 of
the WBCL.

                  Article 10.01 of Baylake's Bylaws contains provisions that
generally parallel the indemnification provisions of the WBCL and provide that
each officer and director shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted
by law and cover certain procedural matters not dealt with in the WBCL.

                  Baylake has purchased $5 million of insurance policies which
insure Baylake's directors and officers against liability which they may incur
as a result of actions taken in such capacities. In addition, Baylake maintains
trust department/fiduciary errors and omissions liability coverage up to a $1
million limit.

                  The Amended and Restated Trust Agreement will provide for
indemnification of the Delaware Trustee and each of the administrative trustees
by Baylake against any loss, damage, claims, liability, penalty or expense of
any kind incurred by the trustees in connection with the performance of their
duties or powers under the agreement in a manner reasonably believed by the
trustee to be within the scope of its authority under the agreement, except that
none of these trustees will be so indemnified for any loss, damage or claim
incurred by reason of such trustee's gross negligence, bad faith or willful
misconduct. Similarly, the agreement provides for indemnification of the
Property Trustee, except that the Property Trustee is not indemnified from
liability for its own negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful
misconduct. Under the agreement, Baylake agrees to advance those expenses
incurred by any trustee in defending any such claim, demand, action, suit or
proceeding.

                                      II-2
   71



ITEM 16.    Exhibits.




Exhibit
Number           Description
- ------           -----------
              
1.1              Form of Underwriting Agreement.*

4.1              Form of Indenture.*

4.2              Form of Subordinated Debenture (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit
                 4.1).*

4.3              Certificate of Trust.*

4.4              Trust Agreement.*

4.5              Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.*

4.6              Form of Preferred Securities Certificate (included as Exhibit D to
                 Exhibit 4.5).*

4.7              Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.*

4.8              Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included as
                 Exhibit C to Exhibit 4.5).*

5.1              Opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation.*

5.2              Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.*

8.1              Opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation, as to
                 certain tax matters.*

12.1             Calculation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.*

23.1             Consent of Smith & Gesteland, LLP.**

23.2             Consent of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation
                 (included in opinion filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).*

23.3             Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in opinion filed as
                 Exhibit 5.2)*

24.1             Powers of Attorney (included as part of signature pages).*



                                      II-3

   72


              
25.1             Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of
                 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee under
                 the Indenture.*

25.2             Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of
                 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee under
                 the Trust Agreement.*

25.3             Form T- 1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of
                 1939, as amended, of Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee under
                 the Guarantee Agreement.*


- ----------

*   Previously filed

**  Filed herewith

ITEM 17.  Undertakings.

         The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Company's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, each registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

      The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that:

         (1)   For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
               Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus
               filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon
               Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the
               registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the
               Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration
               statement as of the time it was declared effective.

        (2)    For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
               Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form
               of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
               relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of
               such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
               bona fide offering thereof.

                                      II-4
   73



                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Baylake
Capital Trust I certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
meets all of the requirements of filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Amendment No. 2 to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Sturgeon Bay, State of
Wisconsin, on February 5, 2001.


                                          BAYLAKE CAPITAL TRUST I


                                          By: BAYLAKE CORP.,
                                              as Depositor


                                          By: /s/ Thomas L. Herlache
                                              ----------------------
                                              Thomas L. Herlache
                                              President, Chief Executive Officer
                                              and Chairman




         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Baylake
Corp. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements of filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 2
to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Sturgeon Bay, State of Wisconsin, on
February 5, 2001.


                                          BAYLAKE CORP.


                                          By: /s/ Thomas L. Herlache
                                              ----------------------
                                              Thomas L. Herlache
                                              President, Chief Executive Officer
                                              and Chairman


                                      II-5
   74


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.





         Name                          Title                               Date
         ----                          -----                               ----

                                                                     

         /s/ Thomas L. Herlache        President, Chief Executive          February 5, 2001
         -------------------------     Officer, Chairman and Director
         Thomas L. Herlache            (Principal Executive Officer)

         /s/ Steven D. Jennerjohn      Treasurer                           February 5, 2001
         -------------------------     (Principal Financial Officer)
         Steven D. Jennerjohn          (Controller)


                     *                 Executive Vice President,           February 5, 2001
         -------------------------     Vice Chairman and Director
         Richard A. Braun


                     *                 Director                            February 5, 2001
         -------------------------
         Ronald D. Berg


         -------------------------     Director
         John Bunda


         -------------------------     Director
         John D. Collins


                     *                 Director                            February 5, 2001
         -------------------------
         George Delveaux, Jr.


                     *                 Director                            February 5, 2001
         -------------------------
         L. George Evenson



                                      II-6

   75


                                                                     
                    *
         -------------------------     Director                            February 5, 2001
         Glenn Miller



                                       Director
         -------------------------
         Joseph Morgan


                    *                  Director                            February 5, 2001
         -------------------------
         Ruth Nelson


                    *                  Director                            February 5, 2001
         ------------------------
         Paul Jay Sturm


         /s/ Steven D. Jennerjohn                                          February 5, 2001
         ------------------------
         Steven D. Jennerjohn
         *Attorney in Fact





                                      II-7


   76


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit
Number           Description
- -------          -----------
              
1.1              Form of Underwriting Agreement.*

4.1              Form of Indenture.*

4.2              Form of Subordinated Debenture (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1).*

4.3              Certificate of Trust.*

4.4              Trust Agreement.*

4.5              Form of Amended and Restated Trust Agreement.*

4.6              Form of Preferred Securities Certificate (included as Exhibit D to Exhibit
                 4.5).*

4.7              Form of Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement.*

4.8              Form of Agreement as to Expenses and Liabilities (included as Exhibit C to
                 Exhibit 4.5).*

5.1              Opinion of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation.*

5.2              Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.*

8.1              Opinion of Jenkens, & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation, as to certain tax
                 matters.*

12.1             Calculation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.*

23.1             Consent of Smith & Gesteland, LLP.**

23.2             Consent of Jenkens & Gilchrist, a Professional Corporation (included in
                 opinion filed as Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).*

23.3             Consent of  Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in opinion filed as
                 Exhibit 5.2)*

24.1             Powers of Attorney (included as part of signature pages).*


                                      II-8

   77

25.1                                Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the
                                    Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                                    Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee under
                                    the Indenture.*

25.2                                Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the
                                    Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                                    Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee under
                                    the Trust Agreement.*

25.3                                Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the
                                    Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
                                    Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee under
                                    the Guarantee Agreement.*


- ----------

*   Previously filed

**  Filed herewith

                                      II-9