EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference (1) in the  Registration
Statements (Form S-8 No.  33-34906,  Form S-8 No. 33-43102 and Form S-8
No. 33-84094)  pertaining to the Provident  Financial Group,  Inc. 1988
Stock  Option  Plan,  (2)  in  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  1 to the
Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-34904)  pertaining to the 1990
Provident  Financial Group,  Inc.  Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (3) in
the Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No.  33-90792)  pertaining to the
Provident   Financial   Group,   Inc.   Retirement  Plan,  (4)  in  the
Registration  Statements  (Form  S-8 No.  33-51230  and  No.  33-62707)
pertaining  to the 1992  Outside  Directors'  Stock Option Plan and the
1992 Advisory  Directors' Stock Option Plan and (5) in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-61576) pertaining to the Provident Financial
Group, Inc. Deferred  Compensation Plan of our report dated January 18,
2000,  with  respect  to  the  consolidated   financial  statements  of
Provident  Financial  Group,  Inc.  included in the Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.




                                                  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP






Cincinnati, Ohio
March 29, 2000