New York’s Pro-Crypto Regulator Adrienne Harris Steps Down After Transformative Tenure

Adrienne Harris, the superintendent who propelled New York's Department of Financial Services into the forefront of crypto regulation, will depart in October. Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed Harris' resignation Monday, marking the end of an era defined by aggressive enforcement actions and consumer protection reforms.

During her four-year tenure, Harris recovered $725 million for New Yorkers and restructured DFS into a financial watchdog with national influence. Her legacy includes pioneering AI oversight in insurance pricing, eliminating insulin co-pays, and saving consumers $22 million through check-cashing fee reforms.

Kaitlin Asrow, named acting successor, inherits an agency that under Harris' leadership became a key player in cryptocurrency oversight. "It's been a privilege to serve," Harris said in her departure statement, crediting her team for building "a more equitable and resilient financial system."