Adrienne Harris, Superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), will step down from her role on October 17, 2025. Harris’s departure marks the end of a four-year tenure during which she played a pivotal role in modernizing the department and enhancing New York’s position as a global leader in financial regulation.

Harris, who first took office as acting superintendent in August 2021 and was confirmed the following January, led NYDFS through a crucial period of transformation. She focused on strengthening regulatory oversight, particularly within the fast-evolving cryptocurrency sector. Under her leadership, NYDFS introduced 11 significant pieces of regulatory guidance, supplementing the landmark BitLicense framework that has governed digital asset firms in New York for a decade. These updates addressed key areas such as stablecoins, blockchain analytics, and coin listings, providing firmer regulatory ground for both businesses and consumers.

Throughout her time as superintendent, Harris emphasized the importance of keeping regulation up to date with technological advances in finance. She often highlighted NYDFS’s influence beyond state borders, noting the department’s technical expertise is sought after by lawmakers at the federal level and incorporated into national policy discussions.

Harris also oversaw notable enforcement actions, including investigations related to stablecoins and other critical aspects of the crypto industry. Her efforts were widely recognized for rebuilding the department into a robust and forward-thinking regulator, attentive to consumer protection and market integrity.

After Harris’s departure, Kaitlin Asrow, previously the Executive Deputy Superintendent of Research and Innovation, will serve as acting superintendent. Asrow’s experience at the Federal Reserve and within NYDFS positions her to continue expanding access to financial services while fostering responsible innovation.

Reflecting on her tenure, Harris expressed gratitude to her team and Governor Hochul, calling it a privilege to serve and help build a more transparent, equitable, and resilient financial system for New Yorkers.