EXHIBIT 23.3

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Sterling Bancshares, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 10, 2000
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sterling Bancshares, Inc. for
the year ended December 31, 1999.

We also consent to the reference to us under the headings "Experts" in the
Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

                                          /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
February 12, 2001