<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-XXXXX) and related Prospectus of A.B.
Watley Group Inc. for the registration of up to 2,141,786 shares of its common
stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated November
22, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
A.B. Watley Group Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for the year
ended September 30, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 21, 2000