EXHIBIT 23


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in Registration  Statements of The
Bear  Stearns  Companies  Inc.  on Form  S-3,  File  Nos.  33-56009,  333-42295,
333-43565,  333-57083,  333-61437,  333-66861,  333-79417 and 333-83049 and Form
S-8, Files Nos. 33-49979, 33-50012, 33-55804,  33-56103,  333-16041,  333-57661,
333-58007,  333-66353  and  333-81901  of our  reports  dated  August 23,  1999,
appearing in and  incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. for the year ended June 30, 1999.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

September 28, 1999
New York, New York