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                                                                     EXHIBIT 23




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
33-17366 of United Companies Financial Corporation on Form S-8 of our report
dated June 24, 1997, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 11-K of United
Companies Financial Corporation Employees' Savings Plan for the year ended
December 31, 1996.




/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
June 24, 1997




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