EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-62336) pertaining to the E.W. Blanch Co. Retirement Plan, the
Registration (Form S-8 No. 33-78300) pertaining to the employee Stock Purchase
Plan of E.W. Blanch Holdings, Inc., the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-40441) pertaining to the 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, and the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-45261) pertaining to the Non-Employee Director's
Stock Plan, Director's Stock Option Plan, Executive Restricted Stock Incentive
Plan, 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, and Retirement Plan, of our report dated
January 15, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of E.W.
Blanch Holdings, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year
ended December 31, 1997.


                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 4, 1998