Exhibit 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8/S-3 No. 333-17525 Amendment No.4) of the
Fremont General Corporation 1995 Restricted Stock Award Plan and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 17, 2000, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Fremont
General Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Los Angeles, California
November 21, 2000