1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement filed pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of our report dated
February 13, 2001, included in SunTrust Banks, Inc.'s Form 10-K/A for the year
ended December 31, 2000, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.


                                         /s/  Arthur Andersen LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
October 12, 2001