Exhibit 32.1

Certifications of CEO and CFO Pursuant to

18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Northern Trust Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Frederick H. Waddell, as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, and Michael G. O’Grady, as Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of his knowledge, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.

/s/ Frederick H. Waddell

Frederick H. Waddell

Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 28, 2014

/s/ Michael G. O’Grady

Michael G. O’Grady

Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 28, 2014

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by Northern Trust Corporation for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.