Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT 
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




Guaranty Financial Corporation
Charlottesville, VA

We  hereby  consent  to the use in the  Prospectus  constituting  a part of this
Registration  Statement  of our report dated  January 30, 1998,  relating to the
consolidated   financial   statements   and  schedules  of  Guaranty   Financial
Corporation, which is contained in that Prospectus.

We also consent to the  reference to us under the caption  "Accountants"  in the
Prospectus.




                                                     /s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP


Richmond, Virginia
March 27, 1998