<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of
East West Bancorp, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated February 14, 2000,
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of East West Bancorp, Inc. for
the year ended December 31, 1999 and to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Los Angeles, California
September 26, 2000