EXHIBIT 23(a)


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


          As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of our report
dated January 18, 1994, included in Old Kent Financial Corporation's Form
10-K, for the year ended December 31, 1993, and to all references to our
Firm included in this Registration Statement.



                                   /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP            
                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Chicago, Illinois
January 30, 1995