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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                       THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 28, 1999


                     UNITED COMPANIES FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                    ----------------------------------------
                    (Exact name as specified in its charter)

          Louisiana                      1-7067              71-0430414
          ---------             ------------------------     ----------
(State or other jurisdiction    (Commission File Number)    (IRS Employer
    of incorporation)                                    Identification No.)

4041 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge Louisiana                           70809
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                         Zip Code

Registrant's telephone number, including area code       (225) 987-0000


                                 Not Applicable
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


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Item 5.   Other Events.

     The Registrant files herewith the exhibit listed in Item 7(c) below.

Item 7(c).     Exhibits.

     The following exhibit is furnished in accordance with Item 601 of
     Regulation S-K:

     99    Press Release dated July 28, 1999 - United Companies
           Appoints Lawrence J. Ramaekers as Chief Operating Officer


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                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

                            UNITED COMPANIES FINANCIAL CORPORATION
                                         (Registrant)


Date:  August 2, 1999       By:      /s/ MICHAEL W. TRICKEY
                                   --------------------------------------
                                   Michael W. Trickey
                                   Chief Financial Officer

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                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS



EXHIBIT
NO.                           DESCRIPTION
- -------                       -----------
        
99         Press Release dated July 28, 1999 - United Companies
           Appoints Lawrence J. Ramaekers As Chief Operating Officer