EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this annual report on Form
10-K of our report dated November 5, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements of ACE Limited as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 and for
each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997 from page 32 of
the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders of ACE Limited.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
New York, New York
December 22, 1997
 
                                      38