Host Welcome
Welcome from Linda A. Lacewell
Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to New York, the greatest city in the world!
The Empire State is a global financial capital and among the most diverse cities worldwide. Nineteen million people, coming from every corner of the world and speaking more than 800 languages have made New York home. Teeming with culture, cuisine and diversity, New York State has a heartbeat that never stops.
New York is progressive, leading the nation toward the future. From Seneca Falls to Stonewall, history happens here. And from the mighty Niagara Falls to the majestic beaches of Long Island, and from Lady Liberty standing strong in New York Harbor to our 180 state parks, New York offers something for everyone.
Innovation in global financial services starts right here in New York, where we are pacesetters for the rest of the world. In New York City alone, nearly 460,000 people work in the finance and insurance sector. The industry plays a vital part in our economy, contributing more than 20 percent of New York's Gross Domestic Product.
As Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), protecting consumers is my top priority. I have the honor of managing a staff of 1,315 in supervising and regulating the activities of over 1,800 insurance companies with assets of more than $4.3 trillion. This includes over 600 life insurance companies, more than 100 health insurers, over 1,000 property/casualty insurers and about 300,000 individual licensees. In addition, DFS also regulates approximately 1,500 banking and other financial institutions with assets greater than $2.6 trillion.
Our roots in insurance run deep. And, true to our great state's character of leadership, New York's Superintendent of Insurance, George W. Miller, called to order the first-ever national convention of the NAIC's predecessor in 1871. Since then, New York's commitment to insurance has not wavered. Nearly 150 years after the first national convention, we are thrilled to host this important NAIC national meeting in New York City.
Sincerely,
Linda A. Lacewell, Superintendent
New York State Department of Financial Services
About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.