EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in teh Registration  Statement Form
S-8 pertaining to the 1997 Stock Option Plan of Provident  Financial Group, Inc.
of our report dated Janary 13, 1997, with respect to the consolidated  financial
statements of Provident  Bancorp,  Inc.  incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report  (Form  10-K)  for the year  ended  December  31,  1996,  filed  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                               Ernst & Young, LLP


Cincinnati, Ohio
June 3, 1997