N.Y. Acting Superintendent Dinallo Confirmed

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

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

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

Mr. Dinallo released a statement saying, "I am honored to have been confirmed as Superintendent of the Insurance Department. I thank Governor Spitzer for nominating me and the Senate for its unanimous vote. I am proud to join the excellent staff of the premier state insurance regulator.

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

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

As chief of the securities bureau under Mr. Spitzer, Mr. Dinallo spearheaded investigations into misconduct within the financial industry.

After serving with Mr. Spitzer from 1999 to 2003, he joined the private sector. At the time of his nomination he was the general counsel for Willis Group Holdings insurance brokerage in New York.