EX23.1 Consent from KPMG

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-130512, 333-136001, 333-156568, 333-160701, and 333-169579) and Form S-8 (No. 333-144956, 333-141006, 333-136000, 333-139490, 333-111802, 333-105723, 333-61452, 333-44078, 333-69481, 333-171070, and 333-175426) of Sterling Financial Corporation of our reports dated February 26, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Sterling Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which reports appear in the December 31, 2012 annual report on Form 10‑K of Sterling Financial Corporation.