Northern Trust Corp S-3, filed Oct 22, 2025
Northern Trust Corp (NTRS)
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 22, 2025
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 36-2723087 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
50 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 630-6000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Susan C. Levy
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
50 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 630-6000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Samir A. Gandhi
Robert A. Ryan
Sidley Austin LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, New York 10019
(212) 839-5900
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
This registration statement shall hereafter become effective in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933.
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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 22, 2025
PROSPECTUS
$1,500,000,000
Northern Trust Corporation
DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer and sell up to an aggregate of $1,500,000,000 principal amount of debt securities from time to time, in amounts, on terms and at prices that will be determined at the time of offering. We will provide specific terms of any securities offered, including their offering prices, in one or more prospectus supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.
We may offer these securities to or through underwriters, through dealers or agents, directly to you or through a combination of these methods. You can find additional information about our plan of distribution for the securities under the heading “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 17 of this prospectus. We will also describe the plan of distribution for any particular offering of these securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. This prospectus may not be used to sell our securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Investing in our securities involves risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus. You should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated herein by reference.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The securities will be debt securities of Northern Trust Corporation and will not be savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any bank or nonbank subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation any other government agency.
The date of this prospectus is , 2025.
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This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell, from time to time, the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer, which is not meant to be a complete description of each security. Each time we offer securities registered under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. That prospectus supplement may include a description of any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in the prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. You should read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and any other offering material (including any free writing prospectus) prepared by or on behalf of us for a specific offering of securities together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus before you invest.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer to sell or soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make the offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the applicable document. Neither the delivery of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement or other offering material (including any free writing prospectus) nor any distribution of securities pursuant to such documents shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the information set forth in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement or other offering material or in our and our subsidiaries’ affairs since the date of this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement or other offering material.
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to “Northern Trust,” “we,” “us” and “our” are to Northern Trust Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “the Corporation” are to Northern Trust Corporation. References to “the Bank” are to The Northern Trust Company. References to “securities” include any security that we might sell under this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. References to “$” and “dollars” are to the currency of the United States.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act, relating to the securities described in this prospectus. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, we have not included certain portions of the registration statement in this prospectus. Accordingly, this prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of the registration statement. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains additional relevant information about us.
The Corporation files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a site on the Internet (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Corporation.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document that the Corporation has filed, or will file, separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Information that the Corporation files with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically modify and supersede the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus to the extent that the subsequently filed information modifies or supersedes the existing information. The following documents filed with the SEC are hereby incorporated by reference:
| • | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024; |
| • | our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2025; and |
| • | our Current Reports on Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A filed on January 22, 2025, February 21, 2025, April 23, 2025, July 28, 2025 and September 3, 2025. |
We also incorporate by reference any future filings we make with the SEC under sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until the termination of this offering. Nothing in this prospectus shall be deemed to incorporate by reference information furnished to, but not filed with, the SEC.
You may request a copy of any of these filings at no cost by writing to us at the following address: Northern Trust Corporation, 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, Attention: Investor Relations.
We maintain an Internet site at www.northerntrust.com which contains information concerning Northern Trust. The information contained at our Internet site is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or other offering materials, and you should not consider it a part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or other offering materials.
Any statement made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document is only a summary of the actual document. If we have filed any contract, agreement or other document as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should read the exhibit for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved. Each statement regarding a contract, agreement or other document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual document.
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Investing in the securities involves certain risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully read and consider the “Risk Factors” section in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated by our future filings with the SEC, in addition to all other information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or other offering materials. These risks, as well as those not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition and the value of your investment. The prospectus supplement applicable to each type or series of securities we offer may contain a discussion of additional risks applicable to an investment in us and the particular type of securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement. For more information, see the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus. You also should review carefully the cautionary statement section of this prospectus entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”
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This prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, and other statements that we may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to our financial results and outlook, capital adequacy, dividend policy and share repurchase program, accounting estimates and assumptions, credit quality including allowance levels, future pension plan contributions, effective tax rate, anticipated expense levels, contingent liabilities, acquisitions, strategies, market and industry trends, and expectations regarding the impact of accounting pronouncements and legislation, and all other statements that do not relate to historical facts.
Forward-looking statements are identified typically by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “likely,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “strategy,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could.” You should read carefully the risk factors described in “Risk Factors” herein and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement for a description of certain risks that could, among other things, cause our actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations of future events or future results, and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and subject to change. These statements are also based on assumptions about many important factors, including:
| • | financial market disruptions or economic recession in the United States or other countries across the globe resulting from any of a number of factors; |
| • | volatility or changes in financial markets, including debt and equity markets, that impact the value, liquidity, or credit ratings of financial assets in general, or financial assets held in particular investment funds or client portfolios, including those funds, portfolios, and other financial assets with respect to which we have taken, or may in the future take, actions to provide asset value stability or additional liquidity; |
| • | the impact of equity markets on fee revenue; |
| • | changes in interest rates or in the monetary or other policies of various regulatory authorities or central banks; |
| • | changes in trade policy, including the imposition of tariffs or the impacts of retaliatory tariffs; |
| • | our success in controlling the costs and expenses of our business operations and the impacts of any broader inflationary environment thereon; |
| • | a decline in the value of securities held in our investment portfolio, the liquidity and pricing of which may be negatively impacted by periods of economic turmoil and financial market disruptions; |
| • | our ability to address operating risks, including those related to cybersecurity, data privacy and security, human errors or omissions, pricing or valuation of securities, fraud, operational resilience (including systems performance), failure to maintain sustainable business practices, and breakdowns in processes or internal controls; |
| • | our success in responding to and investing in changes and advancements in technology; |
| • | geopolitical risks, risks related to global climate change and the risks of extraordinary events such as pandemics, natural disasters, terrorist events and war (including the expansion or escalation of military conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation or the conflict in the Middle East, and tensions between the United States and China), and the responses of the United States and other countries to those events; |
| • | unexpected deposit outflows; |
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| • | the effectiveness of our management of our human capital, including our success in recruiting and retaining necessary and diverse personnel to support business growth and expansion and maintain sufficient expertise to support increasingly complex products and services; |
| • | changes in the legal, regulatory and enforcement framework and oversight applicable to financial institutions, including us; |
| • | changes in foreign exchange trading client volumes and volatility in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the valuation of the United States dollar relative to other currencies in which we record revenue or accrue expenses, and our success in assessing and mitigating the risks arising from all such changes and volatility; |
| • | a significant downgrade of any of our debt ratings; |
| • | the health and soundness of the financial institutions and other counterparties with which we conduct business; |
| • | uncertainties inherent in the complex and subjective judgments required to assess credit risk and establish appropriate allowances therefor; |
| • | increased costs of compliance and other risks associated with changes in regulation, the current regulatory environment, and areas of increased regulatory emphasis and oversight in the United States and other countries, such as anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and data privacy and security; |
| • | failure to satisfy regulatory standards or to obtain regulatory approvals when required, including for the use and distribution of capital; |
| • | our success in continuing to enhance our risk management practices and controls and managing risks inherent in our businesses, including credit risk, operational risk, market and liquidity risk, fiduciary risk, compliance risk and strategic risk; |
| • | risks and uncertainties inherent in the litigation and regulatory process, including the possibility that losses may be in excess of our recorded liability and estimated range of possible loss for litigation exposures; |
| • | the risk of damage to our reputation which may undermine the confidence of clients, counterparties, rating agencies, and stockholders; |
| • | the downgrade of United States government-issued and other securities; |
| • | changes in tax laws, accounting requirements or interpretations and other legislation in the United States or other countries that could affect us or our clients; |
| • | the pace and extent of continued globalization of investment activity and growth in worldwide financial assets; |
| • | changes in the nature and activities of our competition; |
| • | our success in maintaining existing business and continuing to generate new business in existing and targeted markets and our ability to deploy deposits in a profitable manner consistent with our liquidity requirements; |
| • | our ability to address the complex needs of a global client base and manage compliance with legal, tax, regulatory and other requirements; |
| • | our ability to maintain a product mix that achieves acceptable margins; |
| • | our ability to continue to generate investment results that satisfy clients and to develop an array of investment products; |
| • | uncertainties inherent in our assumptions concerning our pension plan, including discount rates and expected contributions, returns and payouts; |
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| • | risks associated with being a holding company, including our dependence on dividends from our principal subsidiary; and |
| • | other factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, including those factors described in “Item 1A—Risk Factors,” and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on our website. |
Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The information contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any other offering materials, as well as information incorporated by reference herein or therein, is current only as of the date of that information. All forward-looking statements included in such documents are based upon information available at the time such statements are made, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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We are a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, families and individuals. We are a financial holding company conducting business through various U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries, including the Bank.
The Bank is an Illinois banking corporation headquartered in Chicago and our principal subsidiary. Founded in 1889, the Bank conducts its business through its U.S. operations and its various U.S. and non-U.S. branches and subsidiaries. At June 30, 2025, the Bank had consolidated assets of $171.3 billion and common bank equity capital of $11.1 billion.
We were formed as a holding company for the Bank in 1971. We have a global presence with offices in 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and across 22 locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. At June 30, 2025, we had consolidated total assets of $171.9 billion and stockholders’ equity of $12.9 billion.
We expect that the Bank will continue in the foreseeable future to be the major source of our consolidated assets, revenues and net income.
Business Overview
We focus on managing and servicing client assets through our two client-focused reporting segments: Asset Servicing and Wealth Management. Asset management and related services are provided to Asset Servicing and Wealth Management clients primarily by the Asset Management business. The revenue and expenses of Asset Management and certain other support functions are allocated fully to Asset Servicing and Wealth Management. We report certain income and expense items not allocated to Asset Servicing and Wealth Management in a third reporting segment, Other.
Asset Servicing
Asset Servicing is a leading global provider of asset servicing and related services to corporate and public retirement funds, foundations, endowments, fund managers, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and other institutional investors around the globe. Asset servicing and related services encompass a full range of capabilities including, but not limited to: custody; fund administration; investment operations outsourcing; investment management; investment risk and analytical services; employee benefit services; securities lending; foreign exchange; treasury management; brokerage services; transition management services; banking; and cash management. Client relationships are managed through the Bank and the Bank’s and our other subsidiaries, including support from locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. At June 30, 2025, total Asset Servicing assets under custody/administration, assets under custody, and assets under management were $16.9 trillion, $13.1 trillion, and $1.2 trillion, respectively.
Wealth Management
Wealth Management focuses on high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, executives, professionals, retirees, and established privately-held businesses in its target markets. In supporting these targeted segments, Wealth Management provides trust, investment management, custody, and philanthropic services; financial consulting; guardianship and estate administration; family business consulting; family financial education; brokerage services; and private and business banking. Wealth Management also includes Global Family Office, which provides customized services, including but not limited to: investment management; global custody; fiduciary; private banking; family office consulting; and technology solutions, to meet the complex financial and reporting needs of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices across the globe.
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Wealth Management is one of the largest providers of advisory services in the United States, with assets under custody/administration, assets under custody, and assets under management of $1.2 trillion, $1.2 trillion, and $468.5 billion, respectively, at June 30, 2025. Wealth Management services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams through a network of offices in 19 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., as well as offices in London, Guernsey, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.
Asset Management
Asset Management, through our various subsidiaries, supports the Asset Servicing and Wealth Management reporting segments by providing a broad range of asset management and related services and other products to clients around the world. Investment solutions are delivered through separately managed accounts, bank common and collective funds, registered investment companies, exchange traded funds, non-U.S. collective investment funds, and unregistered private investment funds. Asset Management’s capabilities include active and passive equity; active and passive fixed income; cash management; multi-asset and alternative asset classes (such as private equity and hedge funds of funds); and multi-manager advisory services and products. Asset Management’s activities also include overlay services and other risk management services. Asset Management operates internationally through subsidiaries and distribution arrangements and its revenue and expense are fully allocated to Asset Servicing and Wealth Management. As discussed above, Northern Trust managed $1.7 trillion in assets as of June 30, 2025, including $1.2 trillion for Asset Servicing clients and $468.5 billion for Wealth Management clients.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603, and our telephone number is (312) 630-6000.
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We expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of securities offered by this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include, without limitation, working capital, capital expenditures, investments in, or extensions of credit to, our subsidiaries, refinancing of debt, share repurchases, dividends, funding potential future acquisitions and satisfaction of other obligations. We may temporarily invest the net proceeds or use them to repay short-term debt until they are used for their stated purpose.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer debt securities, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and may be convertible or nonconvertible, as well as secured or unsecured. The following description briefly sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities, will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, our debt securities will be issued in one or more series under the indenture dated as of May 8, 2017, as amended or supplemented from time to time, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., acting as a trustee, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The terms of the debt securities will include those set forth in the indenture and those made a part of the indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or the TIA. You should read the summary below, the applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of the indenture and indenture supplement, if any, in their entirety before investing in our debt securities.
General
The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under the indenture is unlimited. The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will contain the specific terms of the debt securities. These terms may include the following:
| • | the title and aggregate principal amount of the debt securities and any limit on the aggregate principal amount; |
| • | whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated; |
| • | whether the debt securities will be secured or unsecured and the terms of any securities agreement or arrangement; |
| • | any applicable subordination provisions for any subordinated debt securities; |
| • | the maturity date(s) or the method for determining the same; |
| • | the interest rate(s) or the method for determining the same; |
| • | the dates on which interest will accrue or the method for determining dates on which interest will accrue and dates on which interest will be payable and whether interest shall be payable in cash or additional securities; |
| • | whether the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable into other securities and any related terms and conditions; |
| • | redemption or early repayment provisions, including at our option or at the option of the holders; |
| • | authorized denominations; |
| • | if other than the principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities payable upon acceleration; |
| • | place(s) where payment of principal and interest may be made, where debt securities may be presented and where notices or demands upon the Corporation may be made; |
| • | whether such debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities; |
| • | amount of discount or premium, if any, with which such debt securities will be issued; |
| • | any covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued; |
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| • | any additions or changes in the defaults and events of default applicable to the particular debt securities being issued; |
| • | the currency, currencies or currency units in which the purchase price for, the principal of and any premium and any interest on, such debt securities will be payable; |
| • | if payable in another currency, the time period within which, the manner in which and the terms and conditions upon which we or the holders of the debt securities can select the payment currency; |
| • | our obligation or right to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities under a sinking fund, amortization or analogous provision; |
| • | any restriction or conditions on the transferability of the debt securities; |
| • | any provisions granting special rights to holders of the debt securities upon occurrence of specified events; |
| • | additions or changes relating to compensation or reimbursement of the trustee of the series of debt securities; |
| • | additions or changes to the provisions for the defeasance of the debt securities or to provisions related to satisfaction and discharge of the indenture; |
| • | additions or changes to the provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the consent of holders of debt securities issued under the indenture and the execution of supplemental indentures for such series; and |
| • | any other terms of the debt securities (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the TIA, but may modify, amend, supplement or delete any of the terms of the indenture with respect to such series of debt securities). |
We may sell the debt securities, including original issue discount securities, at par or at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series or any other series outstanding at the time of issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, may constitute a single series of securities under the indenture.
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any other special considerations for any debt securities we sell which are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars. In addition, debt securities may be issued where the amount of principal and/or interest payable is determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity indices or other factors. Holders of such securities may receive a principal amount or a payment of interest that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending upon the value of the applicable currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest, if any, payable on any date, the currencies, commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount payable on such date is linked.
U.S. federal income tax consequences and special considerations, if any, applicable to any such series will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Registration and Transfer
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue each series of debt securities in fully registered form without coupons and in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiples of
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$1,000 in excess thereof. Subject to the limitations provided in the indenture and in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities that are issued in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the office or agency maintained by us for such purpose, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Payment and Place of Payment
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities to holders of record at the office or agency maintained by us for such purpose.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, an event of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities will mean any of the following:
| • | failure to pay any installment of interest on any debt security of such series when due, if such failure continues unremedied for 30 days; |
| • | failure to pay the principal and premium, if any, of any debt security of such series when due, either at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise; |
| • | failure to pay any sinking fund installment on any debt security of such series when due, if such failure continues unremedied for 30 days; |
| • | failure on our part to perform any other obligation contained in the indenture for the benefit of such series which continues for 90 days after written notice to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in outstanding principal amount of the series; |
| • | occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or |
| • | any other event of default provided with respect to the debt securities of such series. |
If an event of default under the indenture occurs and is continuing for any series of debt securities, other than an event of default resulting from a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Corporation, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series, or such amount provided for in the debt securities of that series, and all accrued but unpaid interest on all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. The debt securities will automatically be accelerated upon the occurrence of an event of default resulting from a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Corporation.
In the case of a default in the payment of interest or principal, or premium, if any, we will be required, upon the demand of the trustee, to pay, for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such debt securities with interest on any overdue principal, and premium, if any, and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed in such debt securities.
If we fail to pay such amounts upon demand, the trustee may institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute any such action or proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Corporation or any other obligor upon the debt securities of such series, and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable out of the property of the Corporation or any other obligor upon the debt securities of such series, wherever situated, in the manner provided by law.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any
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trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to debt securities of that series, provided that any such direction is not in conflict with the indenture, could lawfully be taken, would not be unduly prejudicial to holders not joining in such direction and would not involve the trustee in personal liability, and the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indenture at the direction of the holders, the trustee is entitled to receive from those holders security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in complying with any direction.
No holder of any debt security of any series will have the right to institute any action, suit or proceeding with respect to an event of default, unless:
| • | that holder previously gives to the trustee written notice of the event of default with respect to debt securities of that series; |
| • | the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series also make a written request to the trustee to take action in respect of the matter complained of; |
| • | the holder offers the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred; |
| • | the trustee has not received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with such request; and |
| • | the trustee fails to institute such action, suit or proceeding within 60 days. |
However, any holder of a debt security has the absolute right to institute suit for any defaulted payment after the due dates for payment under that debt security.
We are required to furnish an officer’s certificate to the trustee each year that states, to the knowledge of the certifying officer, whether we have complied with all conditions and covenants under the terms of the indenture, and, in the event of any default under the indenture, specifying such default and the nature and status thereof to the extent of the certifying officer’s knowledge.
Modification and Waiver
Modification
We and the trustee may, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected, modify and amend the indenture; however, without the consent of each holder of any debt security affected, we may not amend or modify the indenture to:
| • | extend the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, such debt security; |
| • | reduce the principal amount of or the interest on or any premium payable upon the redemption of such debt security; |
| • | reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security payable upon acceleration of its maturity; |
| • | change the place of payment where or the currency in which the principal of and premium, if any, or interest on any debt security is denominated or payable; |
| • | impair the holder’s right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on any debt security after the stated maturity or redemption date; |
| • | reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the indenture or to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or certain defaults and consequences of such defaults; or |
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| • | modify any provisions of the indenture related to the foregoing or any of the provisions related to the waiver of certain past defaults or certain covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect such action or to provide that certain other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of all of the holders of each debt security affected. |
We and the trustee may modify and amend the indenture without the consent of the holders of the debt securities for specified purposes, including, among other things, to:
| • | add to the covenants of the Corporation for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or surrendering any right or power conferred on the Corporation in the indenture; |
| • | add any additional events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities; |
| • | delete or modify events of default with respect to all or any series of debt securities, the form and terms of which are established pursuant to a supplemental indenture; |
| • | add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture to provide, change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, debt securities, provided that any such action will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities of any series in any material respect; |
| • | change or eliminate provisions of the indenture provided that such change or elimination becomes effective only when there is no outstanding debt security of any series created prior to such change or elimination that is entitled to the benefit of such provision and to which such change or elimination would apply; |
| • | evidence the succession of another person to the Corporation; |
| • | evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the indenture by a successor trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the indenture by more than one trustee; |
| • | secure the debt securities of any series or release any collateral or lien securing debt securities of any series in accordance with the terms thereof; |
| • | evidence any changes to the indenture in conjunction with the resignation, removal or merger of the trustee in accordance with the terms of the indenture; |
| • | cure an ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision of the indenture or any supplemental indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision thereof; |
| • | add to, change or eliminate any provision of the indenture as necessary or desirable in accordance with any amendments to the TIA; |
| • | add guarantors or co-obligors with respect to any series of debt securities or release guarantors from their guarantees in accordance with the terms thereof; |
| • | make any change in any series of debt securities that does not adversely affect in any material respect the rights of the holders thereof; |
| • | provide for uncertificated securities in addition to certificated securities; |
| • | supplement any of the provisions of the indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of debt securities provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of holders of such series or any other series of debt securities in any material respect; |
| • | prohibit the authentication and delivery of additional series of debt securities; or |
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| • | establish the form or terms of debt securities of any new series or authorize the issuance of additional debt securities of a series previously authorized or add to the conditions, limitations or restrictions on the issuance of any debt securities of any series. |
Waiver of Default
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series generally may, on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of that series, waive an event of default under the indenture with respect to that series and the consequences thereof. However, a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or any interest on, any of the debt securities of that series cannot be so waived.
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets
The Corporation may not consolidate with or merge into any other person or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to any other person, unless:
| • | the person formed by such consolidation or into which the Corporation is merged, or to which such sale, conveyance, transfer or lease is made, expressly assumes, pursuant to a supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on all of the debt securities under the indenture, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all other obligations to the holders of debt securities and the trustee under the indenture or the debt securities to be performed or observed by the Corporation; and |
| • | immediately after giving effect to such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease, no default shall have occurred and be continuing under the indenture. |
The second bullet above shall not apply to: (i) any sale, conveyance, transfer or lease between or among the Corporation and one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries; (ii) any merger of the Corporation into any wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation; or (iii) any merger of the Corporation into an affiliate of the Corporation for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing.
The indenture provides that the person formed by such consolidation or into which the Corporation is merged or to which such sale, conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Corporation under the indenture with the same effect as if such successor person had been named as the Corporation in the indenture. In the event of a succession in compliance with this covenant, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor shall be relieved of and discharged from all of its obligations and covenants under the indenture and the debt securities.
Discharge and Covenant Defeasance
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may discharge all of our obligations with respect to the debt securities of any series at any time, and we may also be released from our obligations under certain covenants that are described in the indenture with respect to such debt securities, if any, and elect not to comply with those sections and obligations without creating an event of default. Discharge under the first procedure is called “discharge” and under the second procedure is called “covenant defeasance.”
Discharge or covenant defeasance may be effected only if:
| • | we irrevocably deposit with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations or a combination thereof, as trust funds in trust in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge each installment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; |
| • | no default under the indenture with respect to such series has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit; and |
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| • | we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the applicable series of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such discharge or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such discharge or covenant defeasance had not occurred and, in the case of a discharge, such opinion is accompanied by a ruling to that effect received from or published by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. |
Satisfaction and Discharge
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may terminate our obligations with respect to the debt securities of any series not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation when all such securities:
| • | have become due and payable; |
| • | will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year; or |
| • | are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for giving notice of redemption; |
by depositing with the trustee or paying agent, as trust funds in trust for that purpose, an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such debt securities.
Subordination
The terms of any series of debt securities under the indenture may provide that such series will be subordinated in right of payment to all senior indebtedness, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Global Securities
Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Global securities will be issued in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by such depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such depositary or a nominee of such successor. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities of a series and the rights of and limitations upon owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
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We may offer and sell the securities described in this prospectus through underwriters, through dealers, through agents, directly to purchasers, through or in connection with hedging transactions, or through any combination of such methods of sale and may do so at a fixed price or prices (which may be changed), at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the method of distribution of the securities and name any underwriter, dealer or agent involved in the offer and sale. The prospectus supplement will also set forth the terms of the offering, including the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds we will receive from the sale of the securities, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation related to the offering, public offering or purchase price and any discounts or commissions allowed or paid to dealers, any commissions allowed or paid to agents and any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.
Distribution Through Underwriters
We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If the securities are sold to underwriters, we will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and we will name them in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters will receive compensation in the form of underwriting commissions, which will be paid by us. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase the securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the securities, they will be required to purchase all of the offered securities. The underwriters may acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or varying prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters may sell the offered securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Distribution Through Dealers
We may offer and sell securities from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered securities to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by the dealers at the time of resale. We will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Distribution Through Agents
We may offer and sell securities through agents that become parties to a distribution agreement. We will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by us in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the agent will be acting on a best efforts basis during the appointment period.
Direct Sales
We may sell directly to, and solicit offers directly from, one or more purchasers without the involvement of any underwriters, dealers or agents. We will describe the terms of any sales of this kind in the prospectus supplement relating to the offer.
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General
In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain institutional investors to purchase securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date. In all cases, these purchasers must be approved by us. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of any purchaser under any of these contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that (i) the purchase of the securities must not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which that purchaser is subject and (ii) if the securities are also being sold to underwriters, we must have sold to these underwriters the securities not subject to delayed delivery. Underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of these contracts.
Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and to be reimbursed by us for certain expenses.
Subject to any restrictions relating to debt securities in bearer form, any securities initially sold outside the United States may be resold in the United States through underwriters, dealers or otherwise.
Securities may represent a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom offered securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time.
The anticipated date of delivery of the securities offered by this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The securities offered by this prospectus may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange or a foreign securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity or activity of any trading in the offered securities.
In connection with an underwritten offering, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.
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Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a short position for the underwriters. The underwriters may enter bids for, and purchase, securities in the open market in order to stabilize the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. In addition, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions, or otherwise. These activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. Those activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Under Rule 15c6-1 of the SEC under the Exchange Act as currently in effect, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle on the first business day following the trade date unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. It is possible that we or any underwriter, dealer or agent selling our securities in reliance on this prospectus will elect to settle the sale of securities offered and sold in reliance on this prospectus in accordance with a longer than standard settlement cycle, in which case the alternative settlement cycle to be used will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. In the event such a longer than standard settlement cycle is elected, purchasers who desire to effect a trade of the securities they purchase at any time prior to the business day preceding the issue date of such securities will be required to specify an alternative settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Any such purchasers of securities who desire to trade on any such day should consult their own advisers regarding the date on which such purchasers’ trades may be settled.
The underwriters, agents, dealers and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with us and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
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Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Sidley Austin LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The consolidated financial statements of Northern Trust Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| Item 14. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. |
The following table sets forth estimated fees and expenses (all of which will be borne by the registrant unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement) incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereby (other than any underwriting discounts and commissions).
| SEC registration fee |
$207,150 | |||
| Trustees’ fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Accounting fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Legal fees and expenses |
* | |||
| Rating agency and listing fees |
* | |||
| Printing and engraving expenses |
* | |||
| Miscellaneous expenses |
* | |||
| Total |
$ | * |
| * | These fees are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time. |
| Item 15. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers. |
Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law allows a corporation to eliminate the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except in cases where the director breached his or her duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, failed to act in good faith, engaged in intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, willfully or negligently authorized the unlawful payment of a dividend or approved an unlawful stock redemption or repurchase or obtained an improper personal benefit. Article Eleventh of the registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision which eliminates directors’ personal liability as set forth above.
Article Eighth of the registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides in effect that the registrant will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a Delaware corporation has the power to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents in certain circumstances. Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a corporation to indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent, or former director, officer, employee or agent, who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding provided that such director, officer, employee or agent acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, provided that such director, officer, employee or agent had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Subsection (b) of Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a corporation to indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent, or former director, officer, employee or agent, who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except
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that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines that despite the adjudication of liability such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court deems proper.
Section 145 further provides that to the extent that a director or officer or employee of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she will be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
The registrant has in effect insurance policies for general officers’ and directors’ liability insurance covering all of the registrant’s officers and directors.
In connection with an offering of the securities registered hereunder, the registrant may enter into an underwriting agreement which may provide that the underwriters are obligated, under certain circumstances, to indemnify directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
| Item 16. | Exhibits. |
| * | To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or pursuant to a report filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act. |
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| Item 17. | Undertakings. |
| (a) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: |
| (1) | to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
| (i) | to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
| (ii) | to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and |
| (iii) | to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (ii) and (iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
| (2) | that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| (3) | to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
| (4) | that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: |
| (i) | each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
| (ii) | each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or |
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| prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date. |
| (5) | that, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
| (i) | any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
| (ii) | any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; |
| (iii) | the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
| (iv) | any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
| (b) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| (c) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois on the 22nd day of October, 2025.
| NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION | ||
| By | /s/ Michael G. O’Grady | |
| Michael G. O’Grady | ||
| Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Each person whose signature appears below hereby severally constitutes and appoints Michael G. O’Grady, John P. Landers, Ricardo Crumble, Susan C. Levy, and David W. Fox, Jr., and each of them acting singly, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full and several power of substitution and resubstitution, to sign for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities indicated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 22nd day of October, 2025.
| Signature |
Title | |
| /s/ Michael G. O’Grady Michael G. O’Grady |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| /s/ David W. Fox, Jr. David W. Fox, Jr. |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |
| /s/ John P. Landers John P. Landers |
Executive Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | |
| /s/ Susan Crown Susan Crown |
Director | |
| /s/ Chandra Dhandapani Chandra Dhandapani |
Director | |
| /s/ Dean M. Harrison Dean M. Harrison |
Director | |
| /s/ Jay L. Henderson Jay L. Henderson |
Director | |
| /s/ Marcy S. Klevorn Marcy S. Klevorn |
Director | |
II-5
Table of Contents
| Signature |
Title | |
| /s/ Siddharth (Bobby) N. Mehta Siddharth (Bobby) N. Mehta |
Director | |
| /s/ Robert E. Moritz, Jr. Robert E. Moritz, Jr. |
Director | |
| /s/ Richard M. Petrino Richard M. Petrino |
Director | |
| /s/ Martin P. Slark Martin P. Slark |
Director | |
| /s/ David H. B. Smith, Jr. David H. B. Smith, Jr. |
Director | |
| /s/ Donald Thompson Donald Thompson |
Director | |
| /s/ Charles A. Tribbett III Charles A. Tribbett III |
Director | |
II-6
Exhibit 5.1
|
SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP 787 SEVENTH AVENUE NEW YORK, NY 10019 +1 212 839 5300 +1 212 839 5599 FAX
AMERICA • ASIA PACIFIC • EUROPE |
October 22, 2025
Northern Trust Corporation
50 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(312) 630-6000
| Re: | Registration Statement on Form S-3 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We refer to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) being filed by Northern Trust Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the registration of up to $1,500,000,000 principal amount of debt securities of the Company (the “Securities”). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Securities will be issued under the indenture, dated as of May 8, 2017 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”), by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”).
This opinion letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.
We have examined the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto, the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended to the date hereof (the “Charter”), the bylaws of the Company, as amended to the date hereof (the “Bylaws”), and the resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) relating to the approval of the filing of the Registration Statement and the issuance of the Securities to be registered thereunder. We have also examined originals, or copies of originals certified to our satisfaction, of such agreements, documents, certificates and statements of the Company and others, and have examined such questions of law, as we have considered relevant and necessary as a basis for this opinion letter. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of all persons and the conformity with the original documents of any copies thereof submitted to us for examination. As to facts relevant to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon without independent investigation or verification, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of, certificates, letters and oral and written statements and representations of public officials and officers and other representatives of the Company.
Based on and subject to the foregoing and the other limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
Northern Trust Corporation
October 22, 2025
Page 2
The Securities of each series covered by the Registration Statement will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company when: (i) the Registration Statement, as finally amended (including any necessary post-effective amendments), shall have become effective under the Securities Act and the Indenture (including any necessary supplemental indenture) shall have been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; (ii) a prospectus supplement with respect to such series of the Securities shall have been filed with the SEC in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder; (iii) all necessary corporate action shall have been taken by the Company to authorize the form, terms, execution, delivery, performance, issuance and sale of such series of the Securities as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the prospectus supplement relating to such Securities and the Indenture and to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of a supplemental indenture or officers’ certificate establishing the form and terms of such series of the Securities as contemplated by the Indenture; (iv) a supplemental indenture or officers’ certificate establishing the form and terms of such series of the Securities shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Trustee (in the case of such a supplemental indenture) or by duly authorized officers of the Company (in the case of such an officers’ certificate), in each case in accordance with the provisions of the Charter, the Bylaws, final resolutions of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof and the Indenture; and (v) the certificates evidencing the Securities of such series shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee and issued, all in accordance with the Charter, the Bylaws, final resolutions of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof, the Indenture and the supplemental indenture or officers’ certificate, as the case may be, establishing the form and terms of the Securities of such series, and shall have been duly delivered in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement to the purchasers thereof against payment of the agreed consideration therefor.
Our opinions are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer and other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general equitable principles (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including concepts of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief. Our opinion is also subject to (i) provisions of law which may require that a judgment for money damages rendered by a court in the United States of America be expressed only in United States dollars, (ii) requirements that a claim with respect to any Securities or other obligations that are denominated or payable other than in United States dollars (or a judgment denominated or payable other than in United States dollars in respect of such claim) be converted into United States dollars at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined pursuant to applicable law and (iii) governmental authority to limit, delay or prohibit the making of payments outside of the United States of America or in a foreign currency.
For the purposes of this letter, we have assumed that, at the time of the issuance, sale and delivery of any of the Securities:
| (i) | the Securities being offered will be issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement and the prospectus supplement relating thereto; |
Northern Trust Corporation
October 22, 2025
Page 3
| (ii) | the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Indenture and each indenture supplement to the Indenture, as applicable, and the issuance sale and delivery of the Securities will not (A) contravene or violate the Charter or Bylaws, (B) violate any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, (C) result in a default under or breach of any agreement or instrument binding upon the Company or any order, judgment or decree of any court or governmental authority applicable to the Company, or (D) require any authorization, approval or other action by, or notice to or filing with, any court or governmental authority (other than such authorizations, approvals, actions, notices or filings which shall have been obtained or made, as the case may be, and which shall be in full force and effect); |
| (iii) | the authorization thereof by the Company, as the case may be, will not have been modified or rescinded, and there will not have occurred any change in law affecting the validity, legally binding character or enforceability thereof; and |
| (iv) | the Charter and the Bylaws, each as currently in effect, will not have been modified or amended and will be in full force and effect. |
We have further assumed that each Security and each supplemental indenture will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
With respect to each instrument or agreement referred to in or otherwise relevant to the opinions set forth herein (each, an “Instrument”), we have assumed, to the extent relevant to the opinions set forth herein, that (i) each party to such Instrument (if not a natural person) was duly organized or formed, as the case may be, and was at all relevant times and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be, and had at all relevant times and has full right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under such Instrument; (ii) such Instrument has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by each party thereto; and (iii) such Instrument was at all relevant times and is a valid, binding and enforceable agreement or obligation, as the case may be, of, each party thereto.
This opinion letter is limited to the laws of the State of New York (excluding the securities laws of the State of New York). We express no opinion as to the laws, rules or regulations of any other jurisdiction, including, without limitation, the federal laws of the United States of America or any state securities or blue sky laws.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to all references to our Firm included in or made a part of the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Sidley Austin LLP |
Exhibit 23.2
KPMG LLP
Aon Center
Suite 5500
200 E. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601-6436
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the use of our reports dated February 24, 2025, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Northern Trust Corporation and subsidiaries, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, incorporated herein by reference, and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
October 22, 2025
Exhibit 25.1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
| ☐ | CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
| 95-3571558 | ||
| (Jurisdiction of incorporation if not a U.S. national bank) |
(I.R.S. employer identification no.) | |
| 333 South Hope Street Suite 2525 Los Angeles, California |
90071 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) | |
NORTHERN TRUST CORPORATION
(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 36-2723087 | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. employer identification no.) | |
| 50 South LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois | 60603 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) | |
Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)
| 1. | General information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee: |
| (a) | Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject. |
| Name |
Address | |
| Comptroller of the Currency United States Department of the Treasury | Washington, DC 20219 | |
| Federal Reserve Bank | San Francisco, CA 94105 | |
| Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation |
Washington, DC 20429 | |
| (b) | Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers. |
Yes.
| 2. | Affiliations with Obligor. |
If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.
None.
| 16. | List of Exhibits. |
Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Act”).
| 1. | A copy of the articles of association of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875). |
| 2. | A copy of certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.333-121948). |
| 3. | A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers (Exhibit 3 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.333-152875). |
-2-
| 4. | A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-229762). |
| 6. | The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875). |
| 7. | A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority. |
-3-
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 21st day of October, 2025.
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. | ||||
| By: | /s/ Ann M. Dolezal | |||
| Name: | Ann M. Dolezal | |||
| Title: | Vice President | |||
- 4 -
EXHIBIT 7
Consolidated Report of Condition of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
of 333 South Hope Street, Suite 2525, Los Angeles, CA 90071
At the close of business June 30, 2025, published in accordance with Federal regulatory authority instructions.
| Dollar amounts in thousands |
||||
| ASSETS |
||||
| Cash and balances due from depository institutions: |
||||
| Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin |
9,503 | |||
| Interest-bearing balances |
224,982 | |||
| Securities: |
||||
| Held-to-maturity securities |
0 | |||
| Available-for-sale debt securities |
98,650 | |||
| Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading |
0 | |||
| Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell: |
||||
| Federal funds sold in domestic offices |
0 | |||
| Securities purchased under agreements to resell |
0 | |||
| Loans and lease financing receivables: |
||||
| Loans and leases held for sale |
0 | |||
| Loans and leases held for investment |
0 | |||
| LESS: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases |
0 | |||
| Loans and leases held for investment, net of allowance |
0 | |||
| Trading assets |
0 | |||
| Premises and fixed assets (including right-of-use assets) |
8,796 | |||
| Other real estate owned |
0 | |||
| Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies |
0 | |||
| Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures |
0 | |||
| Intangible assets |
856,313 | |||
| Other assets |
127,415 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total assets |
$ | 1,325,659 | ||
|
|
|
|||
1
| LIABILITIES |
||||
| Deposits: |
||||
| In domestic offices |
797 | |||
| Noninterest-bearing |
797 | |||
| Interest-bearing |
0 | |||
| Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase: |
||||
| Federal funds purchased in domestic offices |
0 | |||
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase |
0 | |||
| Trading liabilities |
0 | |||
| Other borrowed money: |
||||
| (includes mortgage indebtedness) |
0 | |||
| Not applicable |
||||
| Not applicable |
||||
| Subordinated notes and debentures |
0 | |||
| Other liabilities |
258,686 | |||
| Total liabilities |
259,483 | |||
| Not applicable |
| EQUITY CAPITAL |
||||
| Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus |
0 | |||
| Common stock |
1,000 | |||
| Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) |
107,683 | |||
| Not available |
||||
| Retained earnings |
957,483 | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income |
10 | |||
| Other equity capital components |
0 | |||
| Not available |
||||
| Total bank equity capital |
1,066,176 | |||
| Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries |
0 | |||
| Total equity capital |
1,066,176 | |||
|
|
|
|||
| Total liabilities and equity capital |
1,325,659 | |||
|
|
|
I, Janice Shell, CFO of the above-named bank do hereby declare that the Reports of Condition and Income (including the supporting schedules) for this report date have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Janice Shell ) CFO
We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of the Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) for this report date and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.
| Elizabeth Lyndon, Managing Director |
) | |||
| Kevin C. Weeks, President |
) | Directors (Trustees) | ||
| Fernando A. Costa, Managing Director |
) |
2