EXHIBIT 23.1

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
East West Bancorp, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated February 2, 1999,
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of East West Bancorp, Inc. for the
year ended December 31, 1998.



             /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Los Angeles, California
September 30, 1999

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