UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 23, 2017

THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 495-1784

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.12b-2).

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

On August 23, 2017, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation issued $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.300% Senior Subordinated Medium-Term Notes Series K due 2029 (the “Notes”). The Notes were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-209450). In connection with this issuance, the form of the terms agreement relating to the Notes is being filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this report and the legal opinion as to the legality of the Notes is being filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this report.

(d) EXHIBITS

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

3

EXHIBIT INDEX

4