EXHIBIT 32.2


                  CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                           PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350
                 (SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)




I, William S. Hummers III, the Executive Vice President and Principal Financial
Officer of The South Financial Group, Inc. ("TSFG") certify that to the best of
my knowledge, based upon a review of the annual report on Form 10-K for the
period ended December 31, 2004 of TSFG (the "Report"):


         (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
         15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

         (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
         material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of
         TSFG.


/s/ William S. Hummers III
William S. Hummers III
Executive Vice President and Principal Financial Officer
The South Financial Group, Inc.
March 10, 2005

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other
document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that
appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement
required by Section 906, has been provided to The South Financial Group, Inc.
and will be retained by The South Financial Group, Inc. and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.