Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

Under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

In the first quarter of 2026, the Company implemented a new general ledger accounting system. The new general ledger accounting system was implemented in order to standardize processes, improve efficiency and enhance management reporting and analysis, and was subject to thorough testing and review both before and after final implementation. This implementation has not materially affected, and the Company does not expect it to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2026 that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting