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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-1 of our
report dated February 27, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements of Microfinancial Incorporated. We also consent to the references
to our firm under the captions "Experts," "Summary Consolidated Financial 
Operating Data," and "Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data."



/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP




July 31, 1998
Boston, Massachusetts