The New York State Senate confirmed Eric R. Dinallo today as NewYork insurance superintendent. He has served in the post in anacting capacity since January.

Approval came on a voice vote, a spokesman for the New YorkInsurance Department said.

Mr. Dinallo's confirmation hearing was held Monday, and theAssembly voted yesterday to confirm him, leaving the Senate to givefinal approval.

Mr. Dinallo released a statement saying, "I am honored to havebeen confirmed as Superintendent of the Insurance Department. Ithank Governor Spitzer for nominating me and the Senate for itsunanimous vote. I am proud to join the excellent staff of thepremier state insurance regulator.

"I pledge to the people of New York State that the InsuranceDepartment will strive to ensure that consumers, both individualsand businesses, are fully informed, have access to the insuranceproducts they need at reasonable prices and are treated fairly inthe claims process. The Department will work equally hard to ensurethere is a favorable climate in New York for the insurance industryto prosper and grow, including a level playing field. Finally, theDepartment will strive to regulate in innovative and efficient waysthat provide all of the above."

Mr. Dinallo was nominated for his position by Democratic Gov.Eliot Spitzer. The new superintendent served with Mr. Spitzer whenthe governor held the post of state attorney general.

As chief of the securities bureau under Mr. Spitzer, Mr. Dinallospearheaded investigations into misconduct within the financialindustry.

After serving with Mr. Spitzer from 1999 to 2003, he joined theprivate sector. At the time of his nomination he was the generalcounsel for Willis Group Holdings insurance brokerage in NewYork.