Provident Financial 10-Q 2002 Q2 Quarterly report

                                EXHIBIT 99.2

                  CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

         Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
                Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of
the Quarterly  Report of Provident  Financial Group,  Inc.  ("Provident") on
Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2002 (the "Report"), I, Christopher
J. Carey,  Chief  Financial  Officer of Provident,  certify,  pursuant to 18
U.S.C.   Section   1350,   as  adopted   pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully  complies  with the  requirements  of section  13(a) or
    15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
    respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Provident.


/s/ Christopher J. Carey
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Christopher J. Carey
Chief Financial Officer

August 14, 2002