<PAGE>                                   
                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        Washington, D.C.  20549
                                   
                                   
                               FORM 10-Q
                                   
                                   
         Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
                  the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                                   
For the Quarterly Period Ended                       Commission File
September 30, 1997                                        No. 1-8019


     P R O V I D E N T   F I N A N C I A L   G R O U P ,   I N C .
         (Known as Provident Bancorp, Inc. until June 2, 1997)
                                   
                                   
Incorporated under                                 IRS Employer I.D.
the Laws of Ohio                                      No. 31-0982792


            One East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio  45202
                         Phone:  513-579-2000
                                   
                                   
Indicate  by  check  mark whether the registrant  (1)  has  filed  all
reports  required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange  Act  of  1934 during the preceding 12 months  (or  for  such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and  (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past  90
days.

                      Yes    X         No ______
                                   
                                   
Indicate  the  number of shares outstanding of each  of  the  issuer's
classes  of  common stock, as of the latest practicable date:   Common
stock,  without  par  value,  outstanding  at  October  31,  1997   is
41,962,344.


                 Please address all correspondence to:
                                   
                          John R. Farrenkopf
              Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                    Provident Financial Group, Inc.
                        One East Fourth Street
                        Cincinnati, Ohio  45202

                                 - 1 -  
<PAGE>
               PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<TABLE>
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                   (Dollars in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                            September 30  December 31,
                                                                1997         1996
                                                             (Unaudited)
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>
                           ASSETS
Cash and Noninterest Bearing Deposits                        $  192,119   $  208,097
Federal Funds Sold and Reverse Repurchase Agreements            147,437       70,650
Investment Securities Available for Sale
  (amortized cost - $1,366,190 and $1,026,784)                1,372,667    1,032,907
Loans and Leases (Net of Unearned Income):
  Commercial Lending:
    Commercial and Financial                                  2,745,104    2,404,890
    Mortgage                                                    554,822      475,882
    Construction                                                309,984      283,673
    Lease Financing                                             289,504      239,064
  Consumer Lending:
    Instalment                                                  607,903      924,561
    Residential - Held for Sale                                 109,339       73,545
    Residential - Portfolio                                           -      318,070
    Lease Financing                                             488,922      591,763
      Total Loans and Leases                                  5,105,578    5,311,448
  Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses                             (75,242)     (66,693)
      Net Loans and Leases                                    5,030,336    5,244,755
Premises and Equipment                                          175,931      145,641
Other Assets                                                    161,088      127,038
                                                             $7,079,578   $6,829,088

            LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Deposits:
    Noninterest Bearing                                      $  512,907   $  554,262
    Interest Bearing                                          4,471,149    4,042,218
      Total Deposits                                          4,984,056    4,596,480
  Short-Term Debt                                               535,751      599,540
  Long-Term Debt                                                659,005      850,934
  Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in
    Provident Financial Group, Inc.'s Fixed Rate
    Junior Subordinated Debentures                               98,801       98,979
  Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities                        195,194      166,350
      Total Liabilities                                       6,472,807    6,312,283
Shareholders' Equity:
  Preferred Stock, 5,000,000 Shares Authorized,
    Series D, 70,272 Issued                                       7,000        7,000
  Common Stock, No Par Value, $.30 Stated Value, 110,000,000
    Shares Authorized, 41,939,093 and 40,655,916 Issued          12,346       11,973
  Capital Surplus                                               184,285      160,586
  Retained Earnings                                             395,772      326,599
  Reserve for Retirement of Capital Securities                    3,500        6,667
  Treasury Stock, 9,202 shares                                     (342)           -
  Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities
    (net of deferred income tax)                                  4,210        3,980
      Total Shareholders' Equity                                606,771      516,805
                                                             $7,079,578   $6,829,088
</TABLE>
                                 - 2 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                (Unaudited)
  (In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
<CAPTION>
                                             Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                                September 30,         September 30,
                                               1997       1996       1997       1996
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest Income:
  Interest and Fees on Loans and Leases      $124,683   $113,500   $366,223   $333,678
  Interest on Investment Securities:
    Taxable                                    21,677     17,506     58,892     49,750
    Exempt From Federal Income Taxes               86        161        213        419
                                               21,763     17,667     59,105     50,169
  Interest on Federal Funds Sold and
    Reverse Repurchase Agreements                  66        100        706        830
      Total Interest Income                   146,512    131,267    426,034    384,677
Interest Expense:
  Interest on Deposits:
    Savings and Demand Deposits                 7,609      5,137     17,859     15,526
    Time Deposits                              49,663     42,702    147,342    126,392
      Total Interest on Deposits               57,272     47,839    165,201    141,918
  Interest on Short-Term Debt                  11,234     11,822     26,969     30,538
  Interest on Long-Term Debt                   10,359     11,231     32,806     35,733
  Interest on Junior Subordinated Debentures    2,166          -      6,497          -
      Total Interest Expense                   81,031     70,892    231,473    208,189
        Net Interest Income                    65,481     60,375    194,561    176,488
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses             9,500     14,000     35,500     37,750
  Net Interest Income After Provision
    for Loan and Lease Losses                  55,981     46,375    159,061    138,738
Noninterest Income:
  Service Charges on Deposit Accounts           6,331      5,529     18,238     15,711
  Other Service Charges and Fees                6,281      6,771     25,887     23,371
  Gain on Sales of Loans and Leases            25,635     16,187     59,343     18,310
  Security Gains                                1,196          -      4,449         96
  Other                                         4,173      3,037     14,876     15,419
    Total Noninterest Income                   43,616     31,524    122,793     72,907
Noninterest Expense:
  Compensation:
    Salaries                                   20,827     16,588     59,284     46,997
    Benefits                                    3,160      2,864      9,634      8,268
    Profit Sharing                              1,709        918      4,876      2,829
  Occupancy                                     3,516      2,324      8,862      7,151
  Equipment Expense                             3,989      2,998     10,874      8,162
  Professional Fees                             3,660      4,019     10,389      8,028
  Charges and Fees                              4,023      2,199     10,458      5,716
  Deposit Insurance                               340      8,889        989     10,663
  Other                                        12,973     10,725     35,553     26,588
    Total Noninterest Expense                  54,197     51,524    150,919    124,402

Earnings Before Income Taxes                   45,400     26,375    130,935     87,243
Applicable Income Taxes                        15,898      9,100     45,926     30,043
  Net Earnings                               $ 29,502   $ 17,275   $ 85,009   $ 57,200

Net Earnings Per Common Share:
  Primary                                    $    .68   $    .42   $   1.99   $   1.40
  Fully Diluted                                   .67        .41       1.95       1.37
Average Primary Shares                         42,979     40,831     42,529     40,704
Average Fully Diluted Shares                   43,967     41,987     43,544     41,778
</TABLE>
                                 - 3 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
        PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                          (Unaudited)
                         (In Thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Nine Months Ended
                                                                      September 30
                                                                    1997        1996
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>
Operating Activities:
  Net Earnings                                                   $   85,009   $ 57,200
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
      Provision for Loan and Lease Losses                            35,500     37,750
      Amortization of Goodwill                                        1,231        849
      Amortization of Unearned Income and Other                     (55,961)   (32,744)
      Depreciation of Premises and Equipment                         21,272     11,460
      Realized Investment Security Gains                             (4,449)       (96)
      Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held for Sale                     943,143    332,956
      Origination of Loans Held for Sale                           (672,980)  (332,376)
      Realized Gains on Loans Held for Sale                         (45,591)   (16,269)
      Realized Gains on Sale of Other Loans and Leases              (13,752)    (2,041)
      Increase in Interest Receivable                                  (342)    (1,186)
      (Increase) Decrease in Other Assets                           (28,947)     6,404
      Increase in Interest Payable                                   10,264      5,410
      Increase in Other Liabilities                                  16,687     17,925
        Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities                   291,084     85,242

Investing Activities:
  Investment Securities Available for Sale:
    Proceeds from Sales                                           1,209,958     79,398
    Proceeds from Maturities and Prepayments                        105,760    571,106
    Purchases                                                    (1,529,466)  (676,135)
  Proceeds from Sale-Leaseback Transactions                         230,000          -
  Net Increase in Loans and Leases                                 (139,749)  (228,085)
  Net Increase in Premises and Equipment                            (48,849)   (24,869)
  Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Received in Acquisitions             13,694          -
    Net Cash Used In Investing Activities                          (158,652)  (278,585)

Financing Activities:
  Net Increase in Deposits                                          209,552    239,592
  Net Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Debt                        (64,069)   133,529
  Principal Payments on Long-Term Debt                             (204,859)  (154,914)
  Proceeds From Issuance of Long-Term Debt                            1,764        248
  Cash Dividends Paid                                               (21,710)   (16,289)
  Purchase of Treasury Stock                                           (342)         -
  Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock                                  7,954      1,429
  Net Increase in Other Equity Items                                     87         15
    Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities             (71,623)   203,610
      Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                          60,809     10,267
  Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period                  278,747    213,594
    Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period                   $  339,556   $223,861

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
  Cash Paid for:
    Interest                                                     $  221,210   $202,779
    Income Taxes                                                     25,000     13,000
  Non-Cash Activity:
    Transfer of Loans and Premises and Equipment to Other
      Real Estate                                                    12,543      8,554
    Securitization of Residential Loans                                   -     64,025
    Residual Interest Securities Created from the Sale of Loans      70,969     15,689
    Common Stock Issued To Acquire Business                           7,152          -
</TABLE>
                                 - 4 -
<PAGE>                                  
           PROVIDENT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   

In  the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial  statements  contain  all adjustments  (consisting  of  only
normal  recurring  accruals)  necessary  for  fair  presentation.  The
results   of  operations  for  interim  periods  are  not  necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The   financial  statements  presented  herein  should  be   read   in
conjunction  with the financial statements and notes thereto  included
in  Provident  Bancorp, Inc.'s 1996 annual report on Form  10-K  filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Effective  June 2, 1997, Provident Bancorp, Inc. changed its  name  to
Provident Financial Group, Inc. The name change is in response to  new
products and services being offered.

All data relating to Provident Financial's Common Stock and per Common
Share  information has been adjusted for 3-for-2 common  stock  splits
effective May 24, 1996 and December 19, 1996.

Basis of Presentation

The   consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts   of
Provident Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, all of which are
wholly  owned. All significant intercompany balances and  transactions
have  been  eliminated. Certain reclassifications have  been  made  to
conform to the current year presentation.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with  the  instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include  all
information and footnotes necessary to be in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

Provident   Financial   adopted  Statement  of  Financial   Accounting
Standards  No.  125,  "Accounting  for  Transfers  and  Servicing   of
Financial  Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities"  as  amended  by
Statement  No.  127,  "Deferral  of  the  Effective  Date  of  Certain
Provisions  of FASB Statement No. 125, an amendment of FASB  Statement
No.  125"  on  January 1, 1997. This Statement provides standards  for
distinguishing  transfers  of financial assets  that  are  sales  from
transfers that are secured borrowings. Under this Statement, a company
would remove from the balance sheet those assets it no longer controls
and liabilities it has satisfied. The adoption of SFAS No. 125 had  no
material impact on Provident Financial's financial position or results
of operations.

                                 - 5 -
<PAGE>
Statement No. 128, "Earnings per Share"  establishes revised standards
for  computing  and  presenting earnings per share.  It  replaces  the
presentation  of primary and fully diluted earnings per share  with  a
presentation  of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic  earnings
per  share  excludes  dilution  and is  computed  by  dividing  income
available  to  common stockholders by the weighted-average  number  of
common  shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per  share
reflects  the  potential dilution that could occur  if  securities  or
other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into
common  stock  that then shared in the earnings of  the  entity.  This
Statement  is effective for financial statements for both interim  and
annual  periods ending after December 15, 1997. Provident  Financial's
pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share would not have differed
materially from primary and fully diluted earnings per share.

Guaranteed  Preferred  Beneficial  Interests  in  Provident  Financial
Group, Inc.'s Fixed Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures

In  November  1996, Provident Financial established Provident  Capital
Trust  I. Provident Capital issued Capital Securities of $100  million
of  preferred  to  the  public and $3,093,000 of common  to  Provident
Financial.  Proceeds from the issuance of the capital securities  were
invested   in   Provident   Financial's  8.60%   Junior   Subordinated
Debentures,   due   2026.   Taken  together,   Provident   Financial's
obligations  under the Guarantee, the Declaration, the  Indenture  and
the  Debentures  provide  a full and unconditional  guarantee  of  the
Capital Securities. The sole assets (excluding interest receivable  on
the  Debentures  and prepaid expenses) of Provident  Capital  are  the
Debentures.

Provident Auto Leasing Company

In  January  1997, Provident Financial formed Provident  Auto  Leasing
Company,  a  Delaware  business trust, as a  subsidiary  of  Provident
Commercial  Group,  Inc.  Provident Auto  was  created  to  avoid  the
administrative difficulty and expense associated with retitling leased
vehicles  in  connection with the financing or transfer of  beneficial
ownership  of  automobile  and light duty trucks  subject  to  leases.
Provident  Auto  is a separate legal entity from Provident  Commercial
and  each  maintains separate books and records with  respect  to  its
assets  and liabilities. As of September 30, 1997 Provident  Auto  had
total  assets  of  $47.3 million. These assets are  not  available  to
creditors  of  Provident  Commercial to  secure  any  indebtedness  of
Provident  Commercial,  or otherwise to satisfy  the  claims  of  such
creditors against Provident Commercial.

                                 - 6 -
<PAGE>
Stock Options

During the second quarter of 1997, Provident Financial adopted  a  new
stock option plan under which 4,000,000 common shares are reserved for
issuance.  The plan provides that all options are to be  granted  with
exercise  prices of not less than 95% of market value at the  time  of
grant.  Options may be granted for varying periods of up to ten years.
Options  may be granted either as Incentive Stock Options designed  to
provide certain tax benefits under the Internal Revenue Code or as Non-
Qualified Options without such benefits.

Options to purchase 743,450 shares of Provident Financial Common Stock
were  granted  during the first nine months of 1997. The options  have
exercise prices ranging from $31.95 to $49.81.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Agreements

In  the  normal course of business, Provident Financial  uses  various
financial  instruments  with off-balance  sheet  risk  to  manage  its
interest  rate risk and to meet the financing needs of its  customers.
At  September 30, 1997, these off-balance sheet instruments  consisted
of  standby letters of credit of $119.5 million, commitments to extend
credit  of $2.0 billion and interest rate swaps with a notional amount
of $1.7 billion.

Acquisitions

Provident Financial acquired South Hillsborough Community Bank  as  of
February 12, 1997. South Hillsborough, which had $40 million in assets
at  the  time of acquisition, is a Florida state chartered bank having
three  offices  in Hillsborough County, Florida. South  Hillsborough's
shareholders  received  189,259 shares of Provident  Financial  Common
Stock  having  an aggregate value of $7.2 million as a result  of  the
acquisition.  This transaction was accounted for as  a  purchase,  and
accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded
at estimated fair value. On June 2, 1997, South Hillsborough Community
Bank's name was changed to Provident Bank of Florida.

On  September  12, 1997, Provident Financial completed its  previously
announced  acquisition  of  Florida Gulfcoast  Bancorp,  Inc.  Florida
Gulfcoast was the parent of the $166 million Enterprise National  Bank
which   operates   three   branches  in  Sarasota   County,   Florida.
Shareholders of Florida Gulfcoast received 712,712 shares of Provident
Financial Common Stock having an aggregate value of $34.9 million as a
result  of  the acquisition. Enterprise was merged into the  Provident
Bank  of Florida in October. This transaction was accounted for  as  a
pooling  of  interests,  and  accordingly,  the  assets  acquired  and
liabilities  assumed  were recorded at their  historic  values.  Prior
periods'   financial  information  has  not  been  restated   due   to
immateriality.

                                 - 7 -
<PAGE>
Item  2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

Results of Operations

Summary

Provident Financial's net earnings for the third quarter of 1997  were
$29.5 million compared to $17.3 million for the third quarter of 1996.
Net  interest  income  increased by $5.1  million,  or  8%,  over  the
comparable period in 1996. The provision for loan and lease losses was
$9.5  million,  a decrease of $4.5 million from the third  quarter  in
1996.  Noninterest  income  increased  $12.1  million,  or  38%,   due
primarily  to  gains  recognized on the  sale  of  loans.  Noninterest
expense  increased $2.7 million, or 5%, primarily as a result  of  the
national   expansion  of  Provident  Consumer,  the   acquisition   of
Information Leasing Corporation and data processing expense associated
with  Year  2000 compliance. These additional expenses were  partially
offset by a decrease in deposit insurance expense which was due  to  a
one-time Savings Association Insurance Fund assessment charge of  $8.0
million during the third quarter of 1996.

For  the first nine months of 1997, Provident Financial's net earnings
were  $85.0  million, an increase of $27.8 million, or 49%,  over  the
same  period during 1996. Interest income increased by $41.4  million,
which more than offset the $23.3 million increase in interest expense.
The provision for loan and lease losses decreased $2.3 million, or 6%,
from  the same period during 1996. Noninterest income increased  $49.9
million, or 68%, while noninterest expense increased $26.5 million, or
21%.  The  explanations  for the increase in  noninterest  income  and
expense are the same as those noted in the above quarterly comparisons
paragraph.

The  following ratios compare Provident Financial's annualized returns
on average assets and average equity for the first nine months of 1997
to the year 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Nine Months Ended       Year Ended
                                                 September 30, 1997  December 31, 1996
<S>                                                      <C>                <C>
  Net Earnings to Average Assets(1)                       1.65%              1.28%
  Net Earnings to Average Shareholders' Equity(1)        20.61%             17.67%
<FN>
  (1) Net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 have been annualized.
</TABLE>

The   ratio   of   noninterest  expense  to  tax  equivalent   revenue
("efficiency  ratio")  was 48.2% for the first  nine  months  of  1997
compared  to 46.6% for the first nine months of 1996. For purposes  of
calculating  the efficiency ratio, noninterest expense  excludes  non-
recurring  expenses  of $8.0 million in 1996. Tax  equivalent  revenue
includes tax equivalent net interest income and noninterest income but
excludes non-recurring income and security gains or losses.

                                 - 8 -
<PAGE>
Nonperforming assets as of September 30, 1997 were $49.9  million,  an
increase  of $21.5 million compared to December 31, 1996. The increase
was  principally the result of placing two loans on nonaccrual  during
1997.  The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans and leases  was
 .73% at September 30, 1997, compared to .41% at December 31, 1996. The
ratio  of  nonperforming assets to total loans, leases and other  real
estate  owned  was  .98% at September 30, 1997, compared  to  .54%  at
December 31, 1996.

Net Interest Income

See  Table  1  for net interest income on a tax equivalent  basis  and
Table  2  for  consolidated average balances, average  rates  and  net
interest margin.

Net  interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased approximately
$17.9  million  for the first nine months of 1997 over the  comparable
period  in 1996. This increase resulted from a $11.2 million  increase
due to changes in volume and a $6.7 million increase caused by changes
in rates. Volume changes are caused by changes in the average balances
of  interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The  net
interest  margin  was  4.00% for the first  nine  months  of  1997  as
compared  to 3.92% for the comparable period in 1996. This improvement
reflects the increase in the average rate received on interest earning
assets  of 20 basis points, more than offsetting the increase  in  the
average  rate paid on interest bearing liabilities of 19 basis points.
The increase in Provident Financial's overall rate on interest earning
assets  was  due  primarily to the increase in the  rate  received  on
equipment  leases. The increase in the average rate paid  on  interest
bearing liabilities was due primarily to a higher average rate paid on
Premium Index savings deposits. Interest rate swaps increased the  net
interest  margin  by 19 basis points and 22 basis  points  during  the
first nine months of 1997 and 1996, respectively.

In  preparing the net interest margin tables, nonaccrual loan balances
are  included  in  the  average balances for loans  and  leases.  Fees
included  in  interest and fees on loans and leases  are  as  follows:
third  quarter 1997 - $3.1 million, third quarter 1996 - $4.0 million,
year-to-date  1997  -  $11.3 million, and year-to-date  1996  -  $12.8
million.

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses

The  provision  for loan and lease losses was $9.5 million  and  $14.0
million  during the third quarter of 1997 and 1996, respectively,  and
$35.5  million and $37.8 million during the first nine months of  1997
and  1996,  respectively. The decrease in the third quarter  provision
was  primarily  the  result  of reduced credit  risk  in  the  lending
portfolio attributable to the sale of loans and leased vehicles.

                                 - 9 -
<PAGE>
Noninterest Income

Third Quarter 1997 Compared to Third Quarter 1996

Noninterest income increased $12.1 million during the third quarter of
1997  compared to the same quarter in 1996. Service charges on deposit
accounts increased primarily as a result of increased fees received on
corporate and personal demand deposit accounts and ATM usage. Gain  on
sales  of loans and leases increased primarily as a result of  selling
residential  and  home  equity loans. Security gains  were  recognized
primarily from the sale of mortgage-backed securities. The increase in
other  income  was  due to additional revenues from  operating  leases
which resulted from the acquisition of Information Leasing as well  as
revenue growth in Provident Commercial.

Nine  Months  Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to Nine  Months  Ended
September 30, 1996

Noninterest  income  increased $49.9 million  during  the  first  nine
months of 1997 compared to the same period in 1996. Service charges on
deposit accounts, gain on sales of loans and leases and security gains
increased for the same reasons given in the quarterly comparison.  The
decrease   in   other  income  was  due  to  receipts  of   additional
consideration related to a restructured loan being higher in 1996 than
in  1997  which  was  partially  offset by  additional  revenues  from
operating leases during 1997.

Since  the  third  quarter of 1996, it has been Provident  Financial's
policy   to  sell  its  closed-end  nonconforming  residential   loans
originated  by Provident Consumer Financial Services. The  recognition
of  gains  on the sale of these loans have made a notable contribution
to the financial performance over this time period. The following is a
summary  of selected operational data for Provident Consumer  for  the
past five quarters (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Quarter Ended
                             Sept. 1997  June 1997  Mar. 1997  Dec. 1996 Sept. 1996
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
  Loan Originations             $230.3     $213.6     $143.3     $130.2     $111.4
  Loan Sales                     233.2      233.2      140.1      110.0      204.0
  Gain on Sale of Loans           13.8       15.5       10.5        9.5       14.5
  Interest and Fees on Loans       5.6        5.2        4.2        2.5        4.2
</TABLE>
                                - 10 -
<PAGE>
Included  in  "Investment Securities Available for Sale" are  residual
interest  securities representing the present value of net cash  flows
due  Provident  Financial  from  loan  sales  made  primarily  through
securitized  public offerings. Details of the closed-end nonconforming
residential  loans  sold through securitizations are  as  follows  (in
thousands):

Estimated Cash Flows of Underlying Loans, Net of Payments 
   to Certificate Holders                                     $157,919
  Less:
    Off-Balance Sheet Allowance for Loan Losses                (35,155)
    Servicing Costs and Insurance Premiums                     (18,043)
    Discount to Present Value                                  (27,321)
  Carrying Value of Residual Interest Securities              $ 77,400

  Outstanding Balance of Loans Sold Through Securitizations   $794,200
  Off Balance Sheet Allowance for Losses as a Percent of
   Loans Sold Through Securitizations                             4.43%

In  addition  to the closed-end nonconforming residential loan  sales,
Provident  Financial sold $169.0 million of open-end  conforming  home
equity  loans and $75.5 million of closed-end conforming  home  equity
loans  during the third quarter of 1997. These sales resulted in gains
of $6.7 million and $3.3 million being recognized, respectively.

Noninterest Expense

Third Quarter 1997 Compared to Third Quarter 1996

Noninterest expense increased $2.7 million during the third quarter of
1997  when  compared to 1996. Compensation expense increased primarily
as a result of the expansion of Provident Consumer and the acquisition
of  Information Leasing. Occupancy expense increased primarily in  the
Provident  Consumer and retail distribution areas.  Equipment  expense
increased  primarily  due to the depreciation  of  computer  equipment
purchased   during  the  current  year.  Charges  and  fees  increased
primarily  as  a  result of a provision for non-collection  of  rental
income covering automobiles involved in the sale-leaseback transaction
discussed earlier. Deposit insurance decreased as a result of  a  one-
time  Savings Association Insurance Fund assessment charge during  the
third quarter of 1996. Higher data processing expense related to  Year
2000  compliance  was  the primary reason for the  increase  in  other
expense.

                                - 11 -
<PAGE>
Nine  Months  Ended September 30, 1997 Compared to Nine  Months  Ended
September 30, 1996

Noninterest  expense  increased $26.5 million during  the  first  nine
months  of  1997  compared to the same period in  1996.  Compensation,
occupancy and equipment expense increased for the same reasons  as  in
the quarterly comparison. Professional fees increased primarily in the
operations and consumer lending areas. Charges and fees increased from
foreclosed property costs as well as a provision for non-collection of
rental income covering automobiles. Higher marketing costs as well  as
data  processing  expense  related to Year 2000  compliance  were  the
primary reasons for the increase in other expense.

Financial Condition

Short-Term Investments and Investment Securities

Federal  funds sold and reverse repurchase agreements increased  $76.8
million  since  December 31, 1996. The amount of  federal  funds  sold
changes  daily  as  cash is managed to meet reserve  requirements  and
customer  needs. After funds have been allocated to meet  lending  and
investment requirements, any remainder is placed in overnight  federal
funds.  Investment  securities increased $339.8  million  during  1997
resulting  from  the  redeployment  of  proceeds  from  the  sale   of
residential and home equity loans.

Loans and Leases

Total  loans  and  leases decreased $205.9 million  during  1997.  The
decrease was due primarily to the sale of residential and home  equity
loans  discussed  earlier  and the sale of leased  vehicles  discussed
below.  These  sales were offset partially by the origination  of  new
loans  and  leases primarily in the areas of commercial and  financial
and residential loans.

In the third quarter of 1997, Provident Financial sold and leased back
$241.7 million of automobiles which had previously been accounted  for
as  direct  finance leases and classified as consumer lease financings
on  which  interest  income  was recorded. Future  rental  income  and
expense  on  the  new  operating  leases  will  be  included  in   the
noninterest section of the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

                                - 12 -
<PAGE>
The  following  table  shows the composition  of  the  commercial  and
financial  loan  category  by  industry type  at  September  30,  1997
(dollars in millions):

                                                             Amount on
             Type                      Amount         %     Nonaccrual
  Construction                       $  117.2         4          $  .1
  Manufacturing                         538.8        20            2.2
  Transportation/Utilities              146.0         5            2.2
  Wholesale Trade                       266.0        10            2.6
  Retail Trade                          279.6        10           18.5
  Finance & Insurance                   125.5         4              -
  Real Estate Operators/Investment      269.3        10             .8
  Service Industries                    401.1        15             .9
  Automobile Dealers                    101.8         4              -
  Other(1)                              499.8        18            1.3
     Total                           $2,745.1       100          $28.6

  (1) Includes  various  kinds of loans, such as small business  loans
      and loans with balances under $100,000.

The  composition  of  the commercial mortgage  and  construction  loan
categories  by  property type at September 30, 1997 is  shown  in  the
following table (dollars in millions):

                                                             Amount on
             Type                      Amount        %      Nonaccrual
  Apartments                           $139.9       16             $.1
  Office/Warehouse                      185.3       22              .2
  Residential Development               107.5       13               -
  Shopping/Retail                       193.6       22              .3
  Land                                   38.2        4               -
  Industrial Plants                      14.4        2               -
  Hotels/Motels                          36.9        4               -
  Health Facilities                      13.4        2               -
  Auto Sales and Service                 27.8        3               -
  Churches                               11.4        1               -
  Mobile Home Parks                       8.2        1               -
  Other Commercial Properties            88.2       10               -
     Total                             $864.8      100             $.6

Provident Financial maintains a reserve to absorb potential losses  in
its  loan  and  lease  portfolio. Management's  determination  of  the
adequacy  of  the  reserve is based on reviews of specific  loans  and
leases, credit loss experience, general economic conditions and  other
pertinent  factors. Loans and leases deemed uncollectible are  charged
off  and deducted from the reserve and recoveries on loans and  leases
previously charged off are added to the reserve. Management  considers
the  present reserve to be appropriate and adequate to cover potential
losses  inherent in the loan and lease portfolio based on the  current
economic  environment. The foregoing is a forward  looking  statement.
Actual  results  could vary materially because  of  a  number  factors
including  a deterioration in general economic conditions which  could
adversely  affect  borrowers.  In  addition,  borrowers  could  suffer
unanticipated  losses  without regard to general economic  conditions.
The  result of these and other factors could cause an increase in  the

                                - 13 -
<PAGE>
risk  characteristics of the loan and lease portfolio and an  increase
in the provision for loan and lease losses.

The  following table shows the progression of the reserve for loan and
lease losses (in thousands):

                                               1997              1996
  Balance at January 1                       $66,693           $60,235
  Provision for Loan and Lease Losses         35,500            37,750
  Acquired Reserves                            1,816                 -
  Loans and Leases Charged Off               (36,544)          (37,587)
  Recoveries                                   7,777             3,267
  Balance at September 30                    $75,242           $63,665

Net charge-offs totaled $28.8 million during the first nine months  of
1997  compared  to  $34.3 million for the same time  period  in  1996.
During  the  first  three  quarters  of  1997,  net  charge-offs   for
commercial lending were $9.9 million which resulted primarily from the
charge-off  of  one  commercial  loan. Net  charge-offs  for  consumer
lending  were $18.9 million which consisted principally of auto  loans
and   credit  cards.  As  a  percentage  of  total  loans  and  leases
outstanding, the reserve was 1.47% at September 30, 1997  compared  to
1.26% at December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1996. The increase in the
ratio  reflects  the  sale of low risk seasoned residential  and  home
equity loans during the first three quarters of 1997.

Table  3  shows  a comparison of the major components of nonperforming
assets  over  the past five quarters along with various asset  quality
ratios.  Nonperforming assets have increased $21.5 million during  the
first  nine  months of 1997. Nonaccrual loans increased $15.8  million
due primarily to two commercial and financial loans being added. Other
real  estate  increased $6.2 million due primarily to  foreclosing  on
three  commercial  properties. At September  30,  1997,  nonperforming
assets  as  a percentage of total loans, leases and other real  estate
was  .98% compared to .54% at December 31, 1996 and .79% for Provident
Financial's most recent five-year average.

Premises and Equipment

Premises  and equipment increased from $145.6 million at December  31,
1996  to  $175.9 million at September 30, 1997.  The 21% increase  was
primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  leased  equipment  by  Provident
Commercial and Information Leasing.

Short-Term Debt

Short-term  debt  decreased $63.8 million, or 11%, to  $535.8  million
during  the  first nine months of 1997. The decrease was  due  to  the
reduction in overnight federal funds purchased. The amount of  federal
funds  purchased  changes  daily as cash is managed  to  meet  reserve
requirements  and customer needs. After funds have been  allocated  to
meet  lending and investment requirements, any shortage is  offset  by
the purchased of overnight federal funds.

                                - 14 -
<PAGE>
Long-Term Debt

During  the first nine months of 1997, long-term debt decreased $191.9
million,  or  23%, reflecting primarily the repayment of Federal  Home
Loan Bank debt.

Capital Resources and Adequacy

During  the first nine months of 1997, shareholders' equity  increased
$90.0  million, or 17%, to $606.8 million. Dividends of $21.2  million
on common stock and $514,000 on preferred stock were paid in the first
three quarters of 1997.

The  following  table of ratios is important to the  analysis  of  the
adequacy of capital resources.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Nine Months Ended      Year Ended
                                                  September 30, 1997  December 31, 1996
<S>                                                         <C>                <C>
  Average Shareholders' Equity to Average Assets             8.01%              7.23%
  Preferred Dividend Payout to Net Earnings                   .60                .66
  Common Dividend Payout to Net Earnings                    24.93              26.40
  Tier 1 Leverage Ratio                                      9.50               9.02
  Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets                     9.77               9.23
  Total Risk-Based Capital To Risk-Weighted Assets          13.39              13.05
</TABLE>
Provident Financial increased its quarterly common dividend from  $.16
per  share  to $.20 per share during the third quarter of  1997.  This
higher dividend rate should cause the preferred dividend payout ratio,
as  well  as  the  common dividend payout ratio, to  increase  in  the
future,  as  the preferred dividend rate is based on a rate equivalent
to that paid on its common stock.

Capital  expenditures  planned  by Provident  Financial  for  building
improvements  and  furniture  and  equipment  in  1997  are  currently
estimated to be approximately $16 million. Included in this amount are
projected  capital  expenditures for the purchase or  construction  of
system  applications, data processing equipment,  ATMs  and  branches.
Through  September  30,  1997, approximately $11.6  million  of  these
expenditures have been made.

Liquidity

Adequate  liquidity  is  necessary to meet  the  borrowing  needs  and
deposit  withdrawal requirements of customers as well  as  to  satisfy
liabilities,  fund  operations  and support  asset  growth.  Provident
Financial  has  a  number of sources to provide for  liquidity  needs.
First,  liquidity needs can be met by the liquid assets on its balance
sheet  such as cash, deposits with other banks and federal funds sold.
Another  source is the generation of new deposits. Provident Financial
may  borrow  both short-term and long-term funds. Provident  Financial
has  an additional $687.5 million available for borrowing under  a  $1
billion  bank  notes program. Additional sources of liquidity  include
the  sale  of  investment securities and the sale  of  commercial  and
consumer loans and leases.

                                - 15 -
<PAGE>
The major source of liquidity for Provident Financial on a parent-only
basis  ("the  Parent")  is dividends paid to it by  its  subsidiaries.
Pursuant to Federal Reserve and state banking regulations, the maximum
amount  available for dividend distribution to the Parent at September
30, 1997 by its banking subsidiaries was approximately $188.2 million.
The Parent has not received dividends from its subsidiaries during the
first nine months of 1997.

At  September  30, 1997, the Parent had $155.7 million  of  short-term
commercial  paper outstanding. A portion of commercial paper  proceeds
was   used  to  fund  investment  securities  and  short-term   loans.
Contractual  lines of credit totaling $175 million have been  obtained
by  the  Parent to support its commercial paper borrowings. Also,  the
Parent has $40 million in general purpose lines of credit. These lines
had  not been used at September 30, 1997. The Parent had approximately
$77.1  million  in cash, interest earning deposits and  federal  funds
sold at September 30, 1997.

                                - 16 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Provident Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Earnings
(unaudited)
(In Thousands)
Table 1.
<CAPTION>
                                                            Quarter Ended            Nine Months Ended
                                                        September    September     September    September
                                                           1997         1996          1997         1996
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
Total Interest Income                                   $146,512     $131,267      $426,034     $384,677
Taxable Equivalent Adjustment                                 89          141           253          398

Taxable Equivalent Interest Income                       146,601      131,408       426,287      385,075
Total Interest Expense                                    81,031       70,892       231,473      208,189

Net Interest Income                                       65,570       60,516       194,814      176,886
Provision for Loan and Lease Losses                        9,500       14,000        35,500       37,750

Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income After
    Provision for Loan and Lease Losses                   56,070       46,516       159,314      139,136

Noninterest Income                                        43,616       31,524       122,793       72,907
Noninterest Expense                                       54,197       51,524       150,919      124,402


Taxable Equivalent Earnings Before Income Taxes           45,489       26,516       131,188       87,641

Applicable Income Taxes                                   15,898        9,100        45,926       30,043

Taxable Equivalent Adjustment                                 89          141           253          398

Net Earnings                                            $ 29,502     $ 17,275      $ 85,009     $ 57,200
Net Earnings Applicable to Common Stock                 $ 29,304     $ 17,137      $ 84,495     $ 56,803
</TABLE>
                                - 17 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Provident Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Average Balances, Rates and Yields
On a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis
(unaudited)
(Dollars In Millions)
Table 2.
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Quarter Ended                        Nine Months Ended
                                                      Sept. 30, 1997     Sept. 30, 1996     Sept. 30, 1997     Sept. 30, 1996
                                                      Average    Avg     Average    Avg     Average    Avg     Average    Avg
                                                      Balance    Rate    Balance    Rate    Balance    Rate    Balance    Rate
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
Assets:
 Loans and Leases (Net of Unearned Income):
  Commercial Lending:
   Commercial and Financial                           $2,607     9.13%   $2,281    9.12%    $2,494     9.26%   $2,252    9.27%
   Mortgage                                              505     9.32       465    8.93        502     9.25       453    9.08
   Construction                                          301     8.83       222    8.82        289     8.80       238    8.95
   Lease Financing                                       276    10.69       143    7.59        255    10.98       132    7.63
  Consumer Lending:
   Instalment                                            850    10.25       960    9.60        878     9.92       985    9.40
   Residential                                           169     7.87       490    8.82        265     8.23       477    8.50
   Lease Financing                                       689     7.76       485    7.46        650     7.68       422    7.48
    Total Loans and Leases                             5,397     9.17     5,046    8.95      5,333     9.18     4,959    8.99
 Investment Securities:
  Taxable                                              1,287     6.68     1,097    6.35      1,163     6.77     1,031    6.44
  Tax-Exempt                                               7     7.36        15    6.40          7     6.02        14    6.20
    Total Investment Securities                        1,294     6.69     1,112    6.35      1,170     6.76     1,045    6.44
 Federal Funds Sold and Reverse
   Repurchase Agreements                                   3     5.62         7    5.49         15     6.48        21    5.21
    Total Earning Assets                               6,694     8.69     6,165    8.48      6,518     8.74     6,025    8.54
 Cash and Noninterest Bearing Deposits                   164                134                147                143
 Other Assets                                            205                140                203                131
    Total Assets                                      $7,063             $6,439             $6,868             $6,299
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:
 Deposits:
  Demand Deposits                                     $  241     2.15    $  252    1.93     $  241     2.22    $  253    1.94
  Savings Deposits                                       673     3.71       573    2.72        577     3.21       587    2.70
  Time Deposits                                        3,399     5.80     2,991    5.68      3,431     5.74     2,912    5.80
   Total Deposits                                      4,313     5.27     3,816    4.99      4,249     5.20     3,752    5.05
 Short-Term Debt:
  Federal Funds Purchased and
   Repurchase Agreements                                 640     5.51       740    5.30        503     5.40       619    5.29
  Commercial Paper                                       155     5.97       140    5.53        151     5.81       146    5.49
  Short-Term Notes Payable                                 2     5.24         1    5.33          2     5.43         1    6.22
   Total Short-Term Debt                                 797     5.60       881    5.34        656     5.50       766    5.33
 Long-Term Debt                                          647     6.35       742    6.02        697     6.30       791    6.03
 Junior Subordinated Debentures                           99     8.70         -       -         99     8.79         -       -
   Total Interest Bearing Liabilities                  5,856     5.49     5,439    5.19      5,701     5.43     5,309    5.24
 Noninterest Bearing Deposits                            460                389                449                399
 Other Liabilities                                       175                146                168                141
 Shareholders' Equity                                    572                465                550                450
   Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity         $7,063             $6,439             $6,868             $6,299

Net Interest Spread                                              3.20%             3.29%               3.31%             3.30%

Net Interest Margin                                              3.89%             3.90%               4.00%             3.92%
</TABLE>
                                - 18 -
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Provident Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Quarterly Nonperforming Assets
(unaudited)
(Dollars In Thousands)
Table 3.
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Quarter Ended
                                                       Sept.         June          Mar.          Dec.          Sept.
                                                       1997          1997          1997          1996          1996
Nonaccrual Loans: (1)                              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
 Commercial Lending:
   Commercial and Financial                        $   28,551    $   27,230    $   14,597    $   14,164    $   18,024
   Mortgage                                               553             -           103           103            48
   Construction                                            87            27            71            71            71
   Lease Financing                                      5,481         7,292         4,980         3,973         2,653
 Consumer Lending:
   Instalment                                              14             -             -             -             -
   Residential                                          2,239         2,028         3,583         2,805         2,008
   Lease Financing                                          -             -             -             -             -
     Total Nonaccrual Loans                            36,925        36,577        23,334        21,116        22,804

Renegotiated Loans (2)                                    257           246           526           786           787
   Total Nonperforming Loans                           37,182        36,823        23,860        21,902        23,591

Other Real Estate and Equipment Owned:
   Commercial                                          11,088         8,820         5,191         6,102         6,477
   Closed bank branches                                     -             -             -             -             -
   Residential                                          1,662         3,369         3,752           475           480
   Multifamily                                              -             -             -             -             -
   Land                                                    15            68         1,615            15           660
     Total                                             12,765        12,257        10,558         6,592         7,617

     Total Nonperforming Assets                    $   49,947    $   49,080    $   34,418    $   28,494    $   31,208

Loans 90 Days Past Due Still Accruing              $   10,504    $   20,460    $   11,848    $   18,751    $   19,989

Total Loans and Leases                              5,105,578     5,205,897     5,071,712     5,311,448     5,047,441

Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses                      75,242        78,296        68,371        66,693        63,665

Total Assets                                        7,079,578     6,985,162     6,780,351     6,829,088     6,483,920

Reserve for Loan and Lease Losses as a Percent of:
  Nonperforming Loans                                  202.36%       212.63%       286.55%       304.51%       269.87%
  Nonperforming Assets                                 150.64%       159.53%       198.65%       234.06%       204.00%
  Total Loans and Leases                                 1.47%         1.50%         1.35%         1.26%         1.26%

Nonperforming Loans as a % of Total
  Loans and Leases                                        .73%          .71%          .47%          .41%          .47%


Nonperforming Assets as a Percent of:
  Total Loans, Leases  and Other Real Estate              .98%          .94%          .68%          .54%          .62%
  Total Assets                                            .71%          .70%          .51%          .42%          .48%
<FN>
(1) Provident Financial generally stops accruing interest on loans and leases when the payment of principal and/or
    interest is past due 90 days or more.
(2) Loans renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of a
    deterioration in the financial position of the borrower.
</TABLE>
                                - 19 -
<PAGE>
                     PART II  -  OTHER INFORMATION



Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  Exhibit filed:

       Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule


All  other  items required in Part II of this form have  been  omitted
since they are not applicable or not required.

                                - 20 -
<PAGE>
                              SIGNATURES
                                   

Pursuant  to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of  1934,
the  Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





                                       Provident Financial Group, Inc.
                                                  Registrant





Date:  November 13, 1997                    \s\ John R. Farrenkopf
                                              John R. Farrenkopf
                                              Vice President and
                                           Chief Financial Officer

                                - 21 -