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                                 EXHIBIT 23(b)

                        CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                        ------------------------------


    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 24, 1997,
included in Fulton Financial Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1996 and to all references to our firm included in this registration
statement.


Lancaster, Pennsylvania           /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

December 1, 1997
