EXHIBIT 99(b)

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350)

     The undersigned executive officer of Banknorth Group, Inc. (the
"Registrant") hereby certifies that the Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2002 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained therein
fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results
of operations of the Registrant.

                                      /s/ Peter J. Verrill
                                      ------------------------------
                                      Name: Peter J. Verrill
                                      Title: Chief Financial Officer

Date:  March 10, 2003