EXHIBIT 23(a)
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
The Board of Directors
Fleet Financial Group, Inc.:
 
    We consent to the use of our report incorporated by reference in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Fleet Financial Group, Inc. for the year ended December
31, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference, and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Experts." Our report refers to changes in the methods of
accounting for mortgage servicing rights, investment in debt and equity
securities and income taxes.
 
                                           KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
   
Boston, Massachusetts
December 17, 1996