Exhibit 23.1




                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT





The Board of Directors
Professional Bancorp, Inc.:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (No.
33-63379) on Form S-8, of Professional Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated June
13, 2000, relating to the statements of net assets available for Plan benefits
of First Professional Bank 401(k) Savings Plan as of December 31, 1999 and 1998,
and the related statement of changes in net assets available for Plan benefits
for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, and all related schedules, which
report appears in the December 31, 1999 and 1998 annual report on Form 11-K of
Professional Bancorp, Inc.




/s/ HUTCHINSON AND BLOODGOOD LLP
--------------------------------
Glendale, California

June 28, 2000