EXHIBIT 23.1


                 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 20,
1997, included in Old Kent Financial Corporation's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm
included in this Registration Statement.



                              /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Chicago, Illinois,
   April 28, 1997