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