EXHIBIT 23(B)(1)

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors
Norwest Financial, Inc.:

    We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Norwest Financial, Inc. of our report dated January 18, 2000,
relating to the consolidated balance sheet of Norwest Financial, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of
income, comprehensive income, cash flows and stockholder's equity for the year
then ended and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
prospectus.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 21, 2000