The First Capital Bank of Kentucky opened February 12, 1996 in Louisville, Kentucky. Ten million dollars was raised from October of 1995 through January of 1996, far exceeding what is typically required for Kentucky start-up banks.

The bank is locally owned and was founded to offer customers an alternative to larger, more impersonal banks with out-of-town ownership. While First Capital has offered customers a bank with "local flavor" and greater attention to personal service and relationships, it has also introduced to its customers high-technological service and convenience. For example, First Capital provides image statements, which are images of cancelled checks that have been reduced to fit on 8 ˝” x 11”sheets of paper. A binder is provided for convenience, and since there are 12 checks per page, the customer is relieved of bulky cancelled checks.