EXHIBIT 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



The Board of Directors
The South Financial Group, Inc.:

We consent to the use of our report dated January 24, 2002,  with respect to the
consolidated  balance sheets of The South Financial Group and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related  consolidated  statements of income,
changes in shareholders'  equity and  comprehensive  income,  and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001, incorporated
herein by reference.


                                    /s/ KPMG  LLP
                                    KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP
Greenville, SC
January 31, 2003