Fifth Third Bancorp: 10-K Risk Factor Changes

Government regulation and legislation subject Fifth Third and other financial institutions to restrictions, oversight and/or costs that may have an impact on Fifth Third’s business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of its common stock. Fifth Third is subject to extensive federal and state regulation, supervision and legislation that govern almost all aspects of its operations and limit the businesses in which Fifth Third may engage. These laws and regulations may change from time to time and are primarily intended for the protection of consumers, borrowers and depositors and are not designed to protect security-holders. In the past decade, the scope of the laws and regulations and the intensity of the supervision to which Fifth Third is subject increased in response to the 2008-2009 financial crisis as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Compliance with these laws and regulations has resulted in and will continue to result in additional costs, which could be significant, and may have a material and adverse effect on Fifth Third’s results of operations. In addition, if Fifth Third does not appropriately comply with current or future legislation and regulations, especially those that apply to its consumer operations, which has been an area of heightened focus, Fifth Third may be subject to fines, penalties or judgments, or material regulatory restrictions on its businesses, which could adversely affect operations and, in turn, financial results. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against Fifth Third could cause it to devote significant time and resources to defending itself and may lead to penalties that materially affect Fifth Third and its shareholders. Future changes in laws or regulations (including tax laws and regulations such as the Inflation Reduction Act) or their interpretations or enforcement may also be materially adverse to Fifth Third and its shareholders or may require Fifth Third to expend significant time and resources to comply with such requirements. In addition, as climate change issues become more prevalent, the U.S. and foreign governments are beginning to respond to these issues. The evolving federal and state government focus on climate change may result in new environmental regulations, including disclosure requirements from other jurisdictions in which the Bank operates that could result in additional compliance costs. Similarly, the impact of domestic and international events related to financial crime such as fraud, money laundering, and economic sanctions will continue to be an area of constant change, risk, and regulatory focus which pose ongoing regulatory, compliance, operational and financial risks. It is anticipated that the Trump administration will promulgate a number of executive orders and propose legislation that could directly impact the regulation of the financial services industry, many of which may mark a departure from the Biden administration’s regulatory agenda that has included a heightened focus on the risks arising from climate change, fair lending, consumer protection, Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements, topics related to social equity, executive compensation, and increased capital and liquidity, as well as limits on share buybacks and dividends. It is uncertain if the implementation of any of these policies would impact Fifth Third, and if so, what the impact would be. We expect the Trump administration will seek to implement a regulatory reform agenda that is significantly different than that of the Biden administration, impacting the rulemaking, supervision, examination and enforcement priorities of the federal banking agencies. It is not possible at this time to determine whether changes in the administration may change the regulatory focus and/or implementation of any regulations, policies or reforms. 31 Fifth Third Bancorp 31 Fifth Third Bancorp 31 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Table of Contents Fifth Third cannot predict whether any pending or future legislation will be adopted or the substance and impact of any such new legislation on Fifth Third. Changes in regulation and supervisory and enforcement focus could affect Fifth Third in a substantial way and could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, legislation or regulatory reform could affect the behaviors of third parties that Fifth Third deals with in the course of business, such as rating agencies, insurance companies and investors. In addition, changes in laws or regulations that affect Fifth Third’s customers and business partners could negatively affect Fifth Third’s revenues and expenses. Certain changes in laws such as tax law reforms that impose limitations on the deductibility of interest may decrease the demand for Fifth Third’s products or services and could negatively affect its revenues and results of operations. Heightened standards under proposed and recently finalized laws or regulations, or regulations soon to enter into force whose enforcement is yet to begin (such as, for example, capital and liquidity rules, or heightened Community Reinvestment Act standards), may result in increased obligations and compliance costs, may result in supervisory or enforcement action and may factor into Fifth Third’s ability to expand services and/or engage in new actions. Other changes in laws or regulations could cause Fifth Third’s third-party service providers and other vendors to increase the prices they charge to Fifth Third and negatively affect Fifth Third’s expenses and financial results.

Government regulation and legislation subject Fifth Third and other financial institutions to restrictions, oversight and/or costs that may have an impact on Fifth Third’s business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of its common stock. Fifth Third is subject to extensive federal and state regulation, supervision and legislation that govern almost all aspects of its operations and limit the businesses in which Fifth Third may engage. These laws and regulations may change from time to time and are primarily intended for the protection of consumers, borrowers and depositors and are not designed to protect security-holders. In the past decade, the scope of the laws and regulations and the intensity of the supervision to which Fifth Third is subject increased in response to the 2008-2009 financial crisis as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Compliance with these laws and regulations has resulted in and will continue to result in additional costs, which could be significant, and may have a material and adverse effect on Fifth Third’s results of operations. In addition, if Fifth Third does not appropriately comply with current or future legislation and regulations, especially those that apply to its consumer operations, which has been an area of heightened focus, Fifth Third may be subject to fines, penalties or judgments, or material regulatory restrictions on its businesses, which could adversely affect operations and, in turn, financial results. Additionally, actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against Fifth Third could cause it to devote significant time and resources to defending itself and may lead to penalties that materially affect Fifth Third and its shareholders. Future changes in laws or regulations (including tax laws and regulations such as the Inflation Reduction Act) or their interpretations or enforcement may also be materially adverse to Fifth Third and its shareholders or may require Fifth Third to expend significant time and resources to comply with such requirements. In addition, as climate change issues become more prevalent, the U.S. and foreign governments are beginning to respond to these issues. The increasing government focus on climate change may result in new environmental regulations, including disclosure required by the SEC, that could result in additional compliance costs. Similarly, the impact of domestic and international events related to financial crime such as fraud, money laundering, and economic sanctions will continue to be an area of constant change, risk, and regulatory focus which pose ongoing regulatory, compliance, operational and financial risks. The Biden Administration has sought to implement a regulatory agenda that has included, or could include, a heightened focus on the risks arising from climate change, fair lending, consumer protection, Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering requirements, topics related to social equity, executive compensation, and increased capital and liquidity, as well as limits on share buybacks and dividends. In addition, mergers and acquisitions may be hindered by increased antitrust and other regulatory scrutiny. Reform proposals are also expected for the short-term wholesale markets. It is uncertain if the implementation of any of these policies would impact Fifth Third, and if so, what the impact would be. Fifth Third cannot predict whether any pending or future legislation will be adopted or the substance and impact of any such new legislation on Fifth Third. Changes in regulation and supervisory and enforcement focus could affect Fifth Third in a substantial way and could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, legislation or regulatory reform could affect the behaviors of third parties that Fifth Third deals within the course of business, such as rating agencies, insurance companies and investors. In addition, changes in laws or regulations that affect Fifth Third’s customers and business partners could negatively affect Fifth Third’s revenues and expenses. Certain changes in laws such as tax law reforms that impose limitations on the deductibility of interest may decrease the demand for Fifth Third’s products or services and could negatively affect its revenues and results of operations. Other changes in laws or regulations could cause Fifth Third’s third-party service providers and other vendors to increase the prices they charge to Fifth Third and negatively affect Fifth Third’s expenses and financial results.

The FDIC maintains a Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) to protect insured depositors in the event of bank failures. The DIF is funded by fees assessed on insured depository institutions including the Bank. Future deposit premiums paid by the Bank depend on FDIC rules, which are subject to change, the level of the DIF and the magnitude and cost of future bank failures. As of June 30, 2020, the DIF reserve ratio fell to 1.30%, below the statutory minimum of 1.35%. In order to restore the DIF to its statutorily mandated minimums, the FDIC significantly increased deposit insurance premium rates, including the Bank’s, resulting in increased expenses. The revised assessment rate schedules became effective January 1, 2023, and were applicable to the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. Additionally, in November 2023, the FDIC issued a final rule for a special deposit insurance assessment to recover the costs associated with protecting uninsured depositors following the bank failures that occurred in 2023. Subsequently, in 2024, the FDIC announced that it expects to incur additional losses related to these bank failures beyond its initial estimates, resulting in an increase to the amount of the special assessment allocated to each member bank. The Bancorp currently expects to pay the special assessment to the FDIC over a total of ten quarterly assessment periods, which began with the first quarter of 2024. The FDIC may further increase the assessment rates or impose additional special assessments in the future, which may require the Bank to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums.

The FDIC maintains a Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) to protect insured depositors in the event of bank failures. The DIF is funded by fees assessed on insured depository institutions including the Bank. Future deposit premiums paid by the Bank depend on FDIC rules, which are subject to change, the level of the DIF and the magnitude and cost of future bank failures. As of June 30, 2020, the DIF reserve ratio fell to 1.30%, below the statutory minimum of 1.35%. In order to restore the DIF to its statutorily mandated minimums, the FDIC significantly increased deposit insurance premium rates, including the Bank’s, resulting in increased expenses. The revised assessment rate schedules became effective January 1, 2023, and are applicable to the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. Additionally, on November 16, 2023, the FDIC finalized a special assessment to recover the loss to the DIF caused by the bank failures that occurred in 2023 to be collected at an annual rate of approximately 13.4 basis points for an anticipated total of eight quarterly assessment periods, beginning the first quarterly assessment period of 2024. The FDIC may further increase the assessment rates or impose additional special assessments in the future, which may require the Bank to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums.

Fifth Third’s footprint stretches from the upper Midwestern to lower Southeastern regions of the U.S. and it has offices in many other areas of the country. Some of these regions have experienced severe weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and other natural disasters. The nature and level of these events and the impact of global climate change upon their frequency and severity cannot be predicted. If large scale events occur, they may significantly impact Fifth Third’s loan portfolios by damaging properties pledged as collateral as well as impairing its borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. Additionally, the impact of widespread health emergencies may adversely impact Fifth Third’s results of operations, such as the impacts previously experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic. If its borrowers are adversely affected due to a widespread health emergency that impacts Fifth Third employees, vendors or economic growth generally, Fifth Third’s financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Fifth Third’s footprint stretches from the upper Midwestern to lower Southeastern regions of the United States and it has offices in many other areas of the country. Some of these regions have experienced weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and other natural disasters. The nature and level of these events and the impact of global climate change upon their frequency and severity cannot be predicted. If large scale events occur, they may significantly impact Fifth Third’s loan portfolios by damaging properties pledged as collateral as well as impairing its borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. Additionally, the impact of widespread health emergencies may adversely impact Fifth Third’s results of operations, such as the impacts previously experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic. If its borrowers are adversely affected due to a widespread health emergency that impacts Fifth Third employees, vendors or economic growth generally, Fifth Third’s financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Global financial markets, including the U.S., face political and economic uncertainties (such as recent budget deficit concerns and political conflict over legislation to raise the U.S. government’s debt limit) that may delay investment and hamper economic activity. International events such as trade disputes, separatist movements, leadership changes and political and military conflicts (such as the ongoing military tension between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in Israel and Gaza) could adversely affect global financial activity and markets and could negatively affect the U.S. economy. Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, which have been driven by geopolitical events that have resulted in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments, decreased economic activity, heightened risk of cyber-attacks and inflation. Changes in trade policies by the U.S. or other countries, such as tariffs or retaliatory tariffs, may cause inflation which could impact the prices of products sold by the Bancorp’s borrowers and have the potential to reduce demand for their products impacting their profitability and making it difficult for its borrowers to repay their loans. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. Additionally, in recent years, the FRB and other major central banks have removed or reduced monetary accommodation and raised interest rates (although offset by recent rate reductions), increasing the risk of recession and may also negatively impact asset values and credit spreads that were impacted by extraordinary monetary stimulus. These potential negative effects on financial markets and economic activity could lead to reduced revenues, increased costs, increased credit risks and volatile markets, could adversely impact Fifth Third’s ability to raise liquidity via money and capital markets and could negatively impact Fifth Third’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, Fifth Third’s results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Bancorp’s ability to access debt and equity capital markets. In addition, as a result of recent financial and political events, Fifth Third may face increased regulation.

Global financial markets, including the United States, face political and economic uncertainties (such as recent budget deficit concerns and political conflict over legislation to raise the U.S. government’s debt limit) that may delay investment and hamper economic activity. International events such as trade disputes, separatist movements, leadership changes and political and military conflicts (such as the ongoing military tension between Russia and Ukraine and the evolving conflict in Israel and Gaza) could adversely affect global financial activity and markets and could negatively affect the U.S. economy. The United States is also facing a potentially contentious Presidential election as well as elections to determine the control of Congress and State governments. Additionally, the FRB and other major central banks have removed or reduced monetary accommodation and raised interest rates, increasing the risk of recession and may also negatively impact asset values and credit spreads that were impacted by extraordinary monetary stimulus. These potential negative effects on financial markets and economic activity could lead to reduced revenues, increased costs, increased credit risks and volatile markets, could adversely impact Fifth Third’s ability to raise liquidity via money and capital markets, and could negatively impact Fifth Third’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition.

Fifth Third has been, and will continue to be, impacted by general business and economic conditions in the U.S. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues, legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt 33 Fifth Third Bancorp 33 Fifth Third Bancorp 33 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Table of Contents and equity capital markets, broad trends in industry and finance, unemployment, tariffs or other anticipated changes in trade policy and other social, economic and political impacts of the incoming administration and the strength of the U.S. economy and the local economies in which Fifth Third operates, all of which are beyond Fifth Third’s control. Deterioration or continued weakness in any of these conditions could result in a decrease in demand for Fifth Third’s products and services.

Fifth Third has been, and will continue to be, impacted by general business and economic conditions in the United States. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues, legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, broad trends in industry and finance, unemployment and the strength of the U.S. economy and the local economies in which Fifth Third operates, all of which are beyond Fifth Third’s control. Deterioration or continued weakness in any of these conditions could result in a decrease in demand for Fifth Third’s products and services. Worldwide financial markets have recently experienced periods of extraordinary disruption and volatility, which have been driven by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the evolving conflict in Israel and Gaza, resulting in heightened credit risk, reduced valuation of investments, decreased economic activity, heightened risk of cyber-attacks, and inflation. Moreover, many companies have experienced reduced liquidity and uncertainty as to their ability to raise capital during such periods of market disruption and volatility. In the event that these conditions recur or result in a prolonged economic downturn, Fifth Third’s results of operations, financial position and/or liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. These market conditions may affect the Bancorp’s ability to access debt and equity capital markets. In addition, as a result of recent financial and political events, Fifth Third may face increased regulation. Many of the other risk factors discussed in this Risk Factors section identify risks that result from, or are impacted by, a financial economic downturn. These include risks related to Fifth Third’s investments portfolio, the competitive environment and regulatory developments.

Fifth Third’s stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. The price for shares of Fifth Third’s common stock may fluctuate significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to Fifth 34 Fifth Third Bancorp 34 Fifth Third Bancorp 34 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Table of Contents Third’s performance. General market price declines or market volatility in the future could adversely affect the price for shares of Fifth Third’s common stock and the current market price of such shares may not be indicative of future market prices.

Fifth Third’s stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. These factors include, without limitation: •actual or anticipated variations in earnings; •changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections; •Fifth Third’s announcements of developments related to its businesses; •operating and stock performance of other companies deemed to be peers; •actions by government regulators and changes in the regulatory regime; •new technology used or services offered by traditional and non-traditional competitors; •news reports of trends, concerns and other issues related to the financial services industry; •U.S. and global economic conditions; •natural disasters; •geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism, military conflicts and withdrawal from the EU by EU member countries. The price for shares of Fifth Third’s common stock may fluctuate significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to Fifth Third’s performance. General market price declines or market volatility in the future could adversely affect the price for shares of Fifth Third’s common stock and the current market price of such shares may not be indicative of future market prices.

There is continued focus, including from governmental organizations, regulators, investors, customers and other stakeholders, on environmental, social, governance and sustainability issues. Laws and regulations related to these issues continue to evolve. These laws and regulations may impose additional compliance or disclosure obligations on us. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact Fifth Third’s reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, access to capital and its stock price. Organizations that provide information to investors and shareholders on corporate governance and related matters have developed scores and ratings to evaluate companies on their approach to these matters, and unfavorable ratings of Fifth Third may lead to negative investor sentiment and negative publicity in traditional and social media, including based on the identity of those Fifth Third chooses to do business with and the public’s view of those customers. While Fifth Third has sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives, there can be no assurance that regulators, customers, investors and employees will determine that these programs are sufficiently robust. Actual or perceived shortcomings with respect to these initiatives and reporting can impact Fifth Third’s ability to hire and retain employees, increase its customer base or attract and retain certain types of investors. Collecting, measuring, and reporting on this information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming, is subject to evolving reporting standards and can present numerous operational, reputational, financial, legal and other risks, any of which could have a material impact, including on Fifth Third’s reputation and stock price. Inadequate processes to collect and review this information prior to disclosure could be subject to potential liability related to such information. Activists have historically targeted financial firms with public criticism for their relationships with clients that are engaged in certain industries (such as those which are carbon intensive), including businesses whose products are or are perceived to be harmful to health, the environment, the global climate or the social good. Activist criticism of Fifth Third’s relationships or due diligence practices with clients in sensitive industries could potentially engender dissatisfaction among stakeholders with how Fifth Third addresses environmental or social concerns through business activities or disclosures which could negatively affect its business or reputation. Conversely, states throughout the Bank’s footprint have taken actions or proposed measures to limit the state’s ability to do business with financial institutions or other businesses identified as discriminating against certain industries (such as those which are carbon intensive) or practices based on environmental or social criteria. Additionally, other activist groups and state officials have in the past targeted firms with public criticism and penalties for engaging in, or adhering to, certain environmental, social or governance practices or principles. Although Fifth Third has a defined risk-based approach for client selection, Fifth Third could be inherently exposed to reputational, financial and legal risk, and its ability to retain and attract customers and employees may be negatively impacted as a result of these contrasting arguments in how a financial institution should address these issues.

Certain organizations that provide corporate governance and other corporate risk information to investors and shareholders have developed scores and ratings to evaluate companies based upon ESG metrics. Currently, there are no universal standards for such scores or ratings, but ESG evaluations are becoming more important to the reputation and success of many businesses, including financial institutions. Views about ESG-related issues are diverse, dynamic and rapidly changing, and if Fifth Third were to fail to maintain appropriate ESG practices and disclosures or be subject to certain ESG scores or ratings, Fifth Third could face potential negative ESG-related publicity in traditional and social media, including based on the identity of those Fifth Third chooses to do business with and the public’s view of those customers. If 38 Fifth Third Bancorp 38 Fifth Third Bancorp 38 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Table of Contents Fifth Third or its relationships with customers, vendors and suppliers were to become the subject of such negative publicity, Fifth Third’s ability to attract and retain customers and employees may be negatively impacted and its stock price may also be impacted. Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosures. For Fifth Third and others in the financial services industry, this focus extends to the practices and disclosures of the customers, counterparties and service providers with whom Fifth Third chooses to do business. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights, and certain investors are beginning to incorporate the business risks and opportunities of climate change and the adequacy of companies’ responses to climate change and other ESG matters as part of their investment theses. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expand mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence and disclosure. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact Fifth Third’s reputation, ability to do business with certain partners, access to capital and its stock price. While Fifth Third has sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives, there can be no assurance that regulators, customers, investors and employees will determine that these programs are sufficiently robust. In addition, there can be no assurance that Fifth Third will be able to attain its announced goals related to its sustainability and corporate responsibility programs, as statements regarding its goals reflect Fifth Third’s current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that it will be able to achieve them within the timelines it announces or at all. Actual or perceived shortcomings with respect to these ESG initiatives and reporting can impact Fifth Third’s ability to hire and retain employees, increase its customer base or attract and retain certain types of investors. In addition, certain organizations that provide corporate governance and other corporate risk information to investors and shareholders have developed scores and ratings to evaluate companies based upon ESG metrics. Collecting, measuring, and reporting ESG information and metrics can be costly, difficult and time consuming, is subject to evolving reporting standards, and can present numerous operational, reputational, financial, legal and other risks, any of which could have a material impact, including on Fifth Third’s reputation and stock price. Inadequate processes to collect and review this information prior to disclosure could be subject to potential liability related to such information. Activists are increasingly targeting financial firms with public criticism for their relationships with clients that are engaged in certain industries (such as those which are carbon intensive), including businesses whose products are or are perceived to be harmful to health, the environment, the global climate, or the social good. Activist criticism of Fifth Third’s relationships with clients in sensitive industries could potentially engender dissatisfaction among stakeholders with how Fifth Third addresses environmental or social concerns through business activities which could negatively affect its business or reputation. Conversely, states throughout the Bank’s footprint have taken actions or proposed measures to limit the state’s ability to do business with financial institutions or other businesses identified as discriminating against certain industries (such as those which are carbon intensive) or practices based on environmental or social criteria. Additionally, other activist groups have begun to target firms with public criticism for engaging in ESG practices or adhering to certain ESG principles. Although Fifth Third has a defined risk management approach for client selection, Fifth Third could be inherently exposed to reputational, financial and legal risk, and its ability to retain and attract customers and employees may be negatively impacted as a result of these contrasting arguments in how a financial institution should address these issues.

The U.S. government has adopted or proposed a variety of measures and new regulations, including modifications to liquidity, long-term debt and capital requirements, enhancing existing stress testing frameworks, and may include additional special assessments to recover losses to the DIF. If enhanced levels of scrutiny and escalation from its regulators continues, it could negatively impact Fifth Third’s business activities as its regulators perform reviews of, among other things, its liquidity, capital, stress testing and risk management programs and may require Fifth Third to enhance its liquidity position and take other steps regarding risk management. 38 Fifth Third Bancorp 38 Fifth Third Bancorp 38 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Table of Contents

In response to bank failures in the first half of 2023, the United States government, particularly the U.S. Treasury, FRB, OCC, FDIC and/or U.S. Congress, is expected to adopt a variety of measures and new regulations designed to strengthen capital and liquidity standards and otherwise restore confidence in financial institutions. These reforms are expected to modify liquidity, long-term debt and capital requirements and enhance existing stress testing frameworks and may include additional special assessments to recover losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund. While depositors of affected banks were largely protected, there can be no guarantee that the United States government, particularly the U.S. Treasury, FRB, OCC, FDIC and/or U.S. Congress, will respond to any future bank failures in the same manner. Even without revisions to the regulatory framework, the financial services industry has faced an enhanced level of scrutiny and escalation from its regulators, which could negatively impact Fifth Third’s business activities as its regulators perform reviews of, among other things, its liquidity, capital, stress testing and risk management programs and may require Fifth Third to enhance its liquidity position and take other steps regarding risk management. Under applicable banking laws, such regulatory actions may not be disclosed to the public. These actions could limit Fifth Third’s business activities (including lending) and its ability to expand organically or through acquisitions. They could also result in Fifth Third taking steps to increase its capital that may be dilutive to shareholders or limit its ability to pay dividends or otherwise return capital to shareholders. In the current environment, Fifth Third may also experience deposit volatility as customers react to adverse events impacting the banking industry in general or other specific institutions. As deposits remain Fifth Third’s primary source of funding, it may be unable to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet its commitments, including commitments to depositors withdrawing funds, or be required to raise deposit interest rates which would adversely impact its net interest margin. Fifth Third’s failure to effectively manage and maintain adequate liquidity to satisfy its commitments could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition. 41 Fifth Third Bancorp 41 Fifth Third Bancorp 41 Fifth Third Bancorp Table of Contents Table of Contents