Exhibit 24.3

    
            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As   independent  public  accountants,  we  hereby  consent  to  the
incorporation  of  our  report,  dated  April 11, 1997, included in First
Commerce Corporation's Supplemental Tax-Deferred Savings Plan's Form 11-K
for the year ended December 31, 1996, into  the  Corporation's previously
filed Registration Statement File No. 33-28002 on Form S-8.  
                                                

                                     /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                    -----------------------------
                                    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana,
April 29, 1997