<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
The Administrative Committee
Silicon Valley Bank 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan:
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement No.
33-60467 on Form S-8 of Silicon Valley Bancshares of our report dated June 21,
2000 related to the statements of net assets available for benefits of the
Silicon Valley Bank 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan as of December 31,
1999 and 1998, and the related statement of changes in net assets available for
benefits for the year ended December 31, 1999, which report appears in the
December 31, 1999 annual report on Form 11-K of Silicon Valley Bank 401(k) and
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
/s/ KPMG LLP
------------
San Francisco, California
June 21, 2000
15
