EXHIBIT 23 (a) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS [letterhead of Coopers & Lybrand] CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the use of our report dated January 28, 1997 with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Fahnestock Viner Holdings Inc. for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and retained earnings for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 1996 included in the 1996 Annual Report (Form 10-K). /s/Coopers & Lybrand Chartered Accountants Toronto, Canada March 11, 1997