Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the Liberty Financial Companies, Inc. Savings and Investment Plan of our report dated February 3, 1998 with respect to the 1996 and 1997 consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Liberty Financial Companies, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the related schedules included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ernst & Young LLP Boston, Massachusetts August 11, 1998