EXHIBIT 23.1


        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     We have issued our report, dated February 1, 1996 (except for Note K
 as to which the date is June 18, 1996) accompanying the financial
 statements of First Enterprise Financial Group, Inc. contained in the
 Registration Statement and Prospectus filed on Form S-1 effective July 22,
 1996 (Registration No. 33-80217).  We consent to the incorporation by
 reference of the aforementioned report filed in the Registration Statement
 on Form S-8.




                                   By: /s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 Chicago, Illinois
 July 26, 1996