Exhibit 24.2



                              Accountants' Consent




The Board of Directors
Intervest Bancshares Corporation
New York, New York:


We consent to the use of our report  dated  January  15,  1999  relating  to the
consolidated  balance  sheets as of  December  31, 1998 and 1997 and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
years then ended of Intervest Bancshares  Corporation and to the use of our name
under the caption of  "Experts," in the  Registration  Statement on Form SB-2 of
Intervest Bancshares Corporation.




HACKER, JOHNSON, COHEN & GRIEB PA
Tampa, Florida
June 30, 1999