CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report  incorporated  by  reference in this Form 8-K,  into The South  Financial
Group Inc's previously filed Registration  Statement File No. 333-06975 filed on
Form S-3 and File Nos. 333-67745,  333- 83519,  333-96141 and 333-31948 filed on
Form S-8.

                                                     /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
June 20, 2000