EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-43175, 33-32044, 333-16077, 333-84384, 333-127406, 333-150122, 333-164015, 333-163992, 333-160769, 333-159795, 333-170740, 333-189099, 333-40640, 333-184504, 333-189097, 333-207030 and 333-184411) and Form S-3 (333-182348) of M&T Bank Corporation of our report dated February 19, 2016, relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

Buffalo, New York

February 19, 2016