ALBANY, N.Y.–The New York Department of Financial Services has created a new Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division.
The new division combines the previously separate Enforcement and Financial Frauds and Consumer Protection divisions.
Acting Department of Financial Services (DFS) Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell has appointed Katherine A. Lemire as Executive Deputy Superintendent of the new department.
“As a highly respected and experienced prosecutor, compliance and regulatory professional, Katie is well-positioned to successfully marshal the extensive resources of the Department’s Enforcement and Financial Frauds and Consumer Protection divisions to deliver real results for New Yorkers,” said Lacewell. “DFS’s new Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division will be a powerhouse, and Katie’s knowledge and skillset will greatly strengthen the Department’s mandate to guard against financial crises and to protect consumers and markets from fraud.”
Prior to her appointment at DFS, Lemire was a partner at StoneTurn, an international consulting firm providing compliance and investigative services. Before joining StoneTurn, Lemire founded and oversaw a risk and compliance firm, Lemire LLC, which merged into StoneTurn.
“Given the paramount importance of consumer protection and regulatory oversight in the financial marketplace, I look forward to once again re-entering public service and serving the best interests of New Yorkers, while utilizing the expertise and dedication of DFS staff and resources of the Department,” Lemire said.
Experience as a Prosecutor
Lemire has also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York where she investigated complex federal crimes, including allegations of public corruption, racketeering, fraud, and other white-collar crimes, and as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, where she investigated and prosecuted a broad array of criminal cases from grand jury proceedings through trial.
The DFS said its Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division is responsible for protecting and educating consumers and fighting consumer fraud, as well as ensuring that regulated entities comply with New York and federal law in relation to their activities serving the public. It is also responsible for developing investigative leads and intelligence in furtherance of the Department’s efforts to enforce the Banking, Insurance and Financial Services laws, with particular focus on the review and response to cybersecurity events and the development of supervisory, regulatory and enforcement policy and direction in the area of financial crimes.