Exhibit 23(b)


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference  in  this  Registration Statement
of  Merrill  Lynch  & Co.,  Inc.  on  Form  S-8  related  to the  2002  Deferred
Compensation Plan for a Select Group of Eligible  Employees of our reports dated
February 26, 2001, included or incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K of  Merrill  Lynch & Co.,  Inc.  and  subsidiaries  for the year ended
December 29, 2000.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

August 24, 2001
New York, New York