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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(j)
 
             CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO
                          EQUITABLE OF IOWA COMPANIES
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement of the Equitable of Iowa
Companies, that is made a part of the Registration Statement (Form F-4) and
Prospectus of ING Groep N.V. for the registration of its bearer depository
receipts in respect of ordinary shares (nominal value 1 guilder per ordinary
share) in the form of American depository shares to be issued for the
acquisition of the Equitable of Iowa Companies, of our report dated February 11,
1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
Equitable of Iowa Companies included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                                          /s/  Ernst & Young LLP
 
Des Moines, Iowa
September 17, 1997