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 15,
1996, included in Old Kent Financial Corporation's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1995, and to all references to our firm included in this
Registration Statement.


                                   /S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP




Chicago, Illinois,
January 21, 1997