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