Exhibit 23(a)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. on Form S-8 of our reports dated January 14,
2002, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form
10-K of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. for the year ended November 30, 2001,
and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus, which
is part of the Registration Statement.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York
March 1, 2002