Adrienne Harris, superintendent of New York’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), is leaving the agency after four years, effective Oct. 18.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Kaitlin Asrow as acting superintendent.
“I’d like to thank Superintendent Harris for her four years of service at DFS, working every day to make our financial system work for New Yorkers, while also rebuilding the department into a regulator fit for the financial capital of the world,” Hochul said. “Between her time at the Federal Reserve, Financial Health Network, and within DFS, Kaitlin is well suited to lead the Department into the future, expanding access to affordable financial services for all New Yorkers while ensuring our great state continues to be a center for responsible innovation.”
Harris is the agency’s longest-serving superintendent and led efforts to rebuild the department. During her tenure, the agency invested in new technological infrastructure, updated key processes, recovered more than $725 million in restitution, changed the way check cashing fees are calculated to incorporate consumer needs, allowed state-chartered banks to offer Bank On accounts, and created seven new Banking Development Districts.
Asrow has been DFS Research & Innovation division executive deputy superintendent for the past four years. She is responsible for the department’s policy work around innovation and financial inclusion.