CONSENT OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR NORTH POINT



         We hereby  consent  to the use in this  Registration  Statement  of our
report dated February 11, 2000,  except for Note 16 as to which date is March 3,
2000,  relating  to  the  consolidated   financial  statements  of  North  Point
Bancshares,  Inc.  and  subsidiary,  and to the  reference to our Firm under the
heading "Experts" in the Proxy Statement.



                              /s/ Mauldin & Jenkins LLC
                              Mauldin & Jenkins LLP

Powder Springs, Georgia
June 1, 2000