1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated July 10, 1998
included in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K on the consolidated
financial statements of First Sierra Financial, Inc. as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement. It
should be noted that the independent public accountant's report on financial
statements previously filed on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference in this
registration statement is no longer appropriate since restated financial
statements have been presented giving effect to business combinations accounted
for as poolings-of-interests.


ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Houston, Texas
August 19, 1998