After 17 years of working with animals in pet shops, shelters, and zoos, Christian Kalinowski decided it was time for a change. He considered a sales career in a few different sectors before finally settling on insurance and financial services. He wanted to help educate people on a topic he didn’t learn much about growing up—personal finance. So, in 2021, he joined Dipaola Financial Group as a financial service professional.  

Bylaws are an important part of any organization, but sometimes having them available for our members isn't easy. If you haven't read the NAIFA-New York Chapter Bylaws recently, here is your chance. As always, please reach out to info@naifanewyork.org with any questions or concerns.

Jeremie Latremore, CIC, grew up in the insurance industry. His grandparents started an insurance agency in 1965 that his father and uncle went on to work for, but Jeremie didn’t plan on joining the family business until he realized in college, “insurance was in my blood.”

Jennifer B. Barthol, CEP, has been in the financial services industry since 1986 but found her niche working with estate planning attorneys and CPAs as a paralegal. Now, she’s a certified estate planner and helps her clients find solutions that fit their life-long goals. 

Members of NAIFA’s New York chapter (NAIFA-NY) held a virtual meeting with officials from the state Department of Financial Services (DFS). State President Gary Cappon, CLU, LUTCF, RICP, FSCP, CLTC, provided introductions and a brief rundown of NAIFA’s advocacy work and support for the agent and advisor community and the consumers they serve. He also discussed challenges with financial product availability in the state. President-Elect Vinny Dallo, ChFC, CLU, CLTC, LUTCF, and Vice President of Advocacy Paul Sciacca presented “A Day in the Life of a Financial Professional,” highlighting how NAIFA members serve families and businesses in the state.

NAIFA is proud to announce that Robert A. Miller, M.S., M.A., Partner at Miller-Pomerantz Insurance and Financial Services in New York City, is the recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.

Miller, a loyal member since 1983, was NAIFA’s national President for the 2011-2012 term. He had previously served as President of the NAIFA-New York state chapter and NAIFA-New York City. He was elected to the NAIFA Board of Trustees in 2005 and has served as trustee liaison to the CEO Outreach Program, the Young Advisor Team, and the Corporate Partnerships Program. He also served as chair of the NAIFA Governance Committee and was a member of the NAIFA Finance Committee.

NAIFA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Diane Boyle appeared with other industry thought leaders on the National & Federal Insurance Perspective Panel at the Life Insurance Council of New York (LICONY) Annual Meeting and Planning Conference in Albany. She discussed with other panelists the top issues facing the insurance and financial services industry, the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector, issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and NAIFA’s work with the American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI) to remove unnecessary barriers to recruiting new insurance professionals.

John F. Finston from law firm McDermott Will & Emery was recently announced as the new Head of the Insurance Division at the New York State Department of Financial Services. John succeeds My Chi To at DFS. John is a former general counsel and deputy insurance commissioner for the State of California. 

Cybersecurity Continues as a Top Priority

Several of our NAIFA-New York members that took time from their busy schedules to meet with Anthony from Senator Gillibrand's office earlier this week to provide important input on legislation pending consideration before the U.S. Senate.

NAIFA-New York member David Perrotto and President-elect Vinny Dallo met with Congressman Joe Morelle on August 24th. Mr. Morelle was gracious with his time and receptive to their message, with both representing different aspects of the financial service profession. The Congressman supports SECURE 2.0. He is fairly certain the Senate will not call this bill to the floor prior to the midterm elections, but hopeful it will be voted on (and passed) prior to December 31, 2022.

Due to State court decisions relating to the early-2022 redistricting process, New York was forced to split its primary season between an election for statewide office and Assembly (conducted in June), and an election for State Senate and U.S. House of Representatives (held on August 23). It quickly became clear that of all the forecasts made about the second primary, the most accurate was the prediction that there would be low voter turnout across the State. Other than that, incumbency seemed to rule the night.

NAIFA is sad to announce that Peter C. Browne, former NAIFA National Treasurer and Past President of NAIFA-NY, has passed away. Peter was a loyal NAIFA member since 1965. During his career spanning nearly six decades, he achieved phenomenal success as an advisor and agency manager, much of it with Price, Raffel & Browne, a firm he co-founded.

In 2012, Nicholas Limongelli went into the family business and joined Northeast Financial Network. Now the Director of Insurance Brokerage, Limongelli helps his clients find the right disability insurance coverage and serves as a resource for other financial advisors who sell disability insurance.

NAIFA-New York's 2022 Legislative Day was a resounding success! NAIFA members gathered in person in Albany on May 3-4 for a day of education, networking, and advocacy. Our members were joined by more than 30 legislators, as well as our partners at The Life Insurance Council of New York.

Thank you to all who showed up to represent our clients, our businesses, and our industry!

Kick-Off Spring with NAIFA-New York! We are excited to invite you to a series of in-person events NEXT WEEK - our Spring Member Experience Tour. This event series is free for members and non-members alike. We can't wait to see you at one or more of our stops below!

Can you tell your clients you're fighting for them? If you attend NAIFA-NY's Annual Legislative Day, you can! 

NAIFA state legislative days provide great opportunities for insurance and financial professionals to share with lawmakers their expertise and understanding of how laws impact Main Street consumers. Insurance is a state-regulated industry and NAIFA works tirelessly to ensure the industry is being protected. No one tells the Main Street stories about the financial concerns, challenges, and triumphs of families and businesses as well as NAIFA members. These are stories that lawmakers want to hear.

NAIFA state Legislative Days provide great opportunities for insurance and financial professionals to share with lawmakers their expertise and understanding of how laws impact Main Street consumers. NAIFA works tirelessly to ensure the industry is being protected. No one tells the Main Street stories about the financial concerns, challenges, and triumphs of families and businesses as well as insurance and financial advisors. These stories from constituents are the ones that lawmakers want and need to hear.

Please join DFS for a Cybersecurity Symposium in honor of the 5th anniversary of New York's Cybersecurity Regulation (23 NYCRR Part 500) and help us spread the word to your respective members.

The Symposium will take place virtually over the course of three Tuesday mornings, in March, April, and May.  You can register for each of these events at:

Nicholas “Nick” Romo knows the impact life insurance can have and works to protect families every day.

Romo didn’t start out in the insurance and financial services industry, but he was drawn to it by two factors. First, he saw two of his friends who opened successful insurance offices. They were helping people who weren’t being served by large investment companies, and he knew that he, too, could make a difference. Second, he saw the real-life effects of not having insurance, as several family members passed away unexpectedly without life insurance—or without enough coverage. He knew that, if they had been covered, it would have been much easier for their families. “I thought it could be my role to help people in those situations,” he says.

Last year, the Appellate Division, Third Department, found Regulation 187 to be unconstitutionally vague. The Appellate Division concluded that “ambiguities in the language employed, coupled with [the regulations] lack of clear standards for how these provisions will ultimately be enforced” bestow upon DFS “virtually unfettered discretion” in enforcing the regulation, thereby rendering it unconstitutionally vague.

Legislative Update

The Legislature this week ratified new lines for New York’s Congressional and state legislative districts. The once in a decade process marked the first time that Democrats in the State Legislature held complete control over the reapportionment process. Preliminary indications point to Congressional Democrats having the opportunity to pick up three seats in New York.

Under the newly adopted State Senate lines, New York City will gain one seat in Brooklyn and Queens. These new lines largely reflect the growth in population in New York City over the last decade.

NAIFA-New York has learned that Lincoln Financial Group is suspending new sales of its MoneyGuard product in the state of New York, with a final day to submit applications of March 25th.

The New York State Senate has voted to confirm Adrienne A. Harris as Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Robert Quinlan, MBA, LUTCF, LACP, has been in the insurance and financial services industry for over 35 years and plans to stay for many, many more.

A Family Tradition

Quinlan is the second in a three-generation tradition of military service. After college, he followed in the footsteps of his mother, who served as a U.S. Army captain in World War II. Quinlan served three years as an active-duty Field Artillery Officer. His daughter, NAIFA Colorado past president and West Point graduate Kathleen Owings, also served as a U.S. Army captain, earning the Bronze Star Medal for her service in Iraq.

State Attorney General Letitia James dropped out of the race for governor on Thursday and said she’ll instead seek a second term as New York’s chief law-enforcement official.

“I have come to the conclusion that I must continue my work as attorney general,” James said in a prepared statement.

“There are a number of important investigations and cases that are underway, and I intend to finish the job. I am running for re-election to complete the work New Yorkers elected me to do.”

The move followed heavy criticism from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo that James’ investigation of sexual harassment allegations against him was politically motivated.

Cuomo resigned in August, one week after James — using outside investigators — released a report that accused him of harassing 11 women, including nine current or former state employees.

Welcome new members who joined NAIFA-New York this November!

Belonging to your professional association sets you apart from the competition by ascribing to a Code of Ethics, voluntarily investing & participating in a performance-driven networking group, and serving your industry through advocacy and community service.

Opposition to Nomination of Acting Superintendent Harris

Twenty-five New York-based organizations called on Governor Hochul to rescind her nomination of Adrienne Harris for Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services (“DFS”). Their statement stated, in part, that:

Recently, NAIFA-New York leaders Gary Cappon, President, and Paul Sciacca, VP of Government Relations, attended an event with Governor Kathy Hochul to represent NAIFA-New York members.

Tax Increases Cloud the Horizon

As an insurance and financial professional, you and your clients face unprecedented legislative and regulatory threats. Both state and federal lawmakers seek revenue to cover trillions of dollars of COVID-19 relief measures, infrastructure projects, and other programs. All of this spending will add to a colossal government debt. Who’s going to pay for all of this? It would be foolishly naïve to think lawmakers will ignore our industry and the products and services vital to the financial security of American consumers. They are looking at us, and we need to be ready. Taxation needs representation!

New CE Requirements

Take note that the Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) has finalized its regulation which as been in the works for some time regarding heightened continuing education for agents and brokers. The revised regulation now requires enhanced flood insurance education for insurance producers who sell flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. In addition, DFS is the first state regulator to require

NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced her historic candidacy for governor of the state of New York. The announcement, made in a video and on her website, highlighted the vast work that Attorney General James has done across the state throughout her career and lays out why she is the change that New York needs.

Welcome new members who joined NAIFA-New York this October!

Belonging to your professional association sets you apart from the competition by ascribing to a Code of Ethics, voluntarily investing & participating in a performance-driven networking group, and serving your industry through advocacy and community service.

To All Members of NAIFA-New York, 

All great organizations need committed Volunteers in order to grow and remain successful. 

As we look ahead to building on what has been a tremendous year, we are looking for members who wish to serve our Chapter.

In an online world, it pays to be visible. A benefit of your NAIFA membership is being included on our consumer facing search engine, FinancialSecurity.org.

The U.S. Government will not be able to support Medicaid for much longer due to the increased demand for long-term care.

As we last reported, on August 31, Governor Hochul announced that that Adrienne Harris was been nominated as Superintendent of Financial Services. Acting Superintendent Harris began work at the Department earlier this month.

Welcome new members who joined NAIFA-New York this September!

Belonging to your professional association sets you apart from the competition by ascribing to a Code of Ethics, voluntarily investing & participating in a performance-driven networking group, and serving your industry through advocacy and community service.

Legislative Update
On August 24th, Kathy Hochul become the first female Governor in New York State history.   Governor Hochul will complete the term of Andrew Cuomo (which expires at the end of 2022) who resigned the post in the wake of damning report by Attorney General Tish James which corroborated allegations of sexual harassment by Governor Cuomo.

Governor Hochul has announced that she plans to run for election in her own stead next year and has selected State Senator Brian Benjamin from Harlem as her replacement as Lieutenant Governor.  

Governor Hochul has kept most of Governor’s appointees in place for the time being as she undertakes a 45-day informal transition process.  

Governor Hochul Announces Nomination Of Adrienne Harris As Superintendent Of The Department Of Financial Services
Former Economic Advisor to President Obama to Become New York's Top Financial Regulator

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Adrienne Harris has been nominated to lead the New York State Department of Financial Services as its next Superintendent. Formerly a top economic advisor to President Obama, Ms. Harris will become the state's top financial regulator tasked with overseeing the banking and insurance industries and their compliance with state laws as New York works to rebuild its economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, if confirmed by the Senate.

Welcome new members who joined NAIFA-New York this July and August!

Belonging to your professional association sets you apart from the competition by ascribing to a Code of Ethics, voluntarily investing & participating in a performance-driven networking group, and serving your industry through advocacy and community service.

Monique Fanfan, a native of Haiti who came to the United States to have her shot at the American dream, began her career in financial services working in a bank. She then went on to work for a financial investment firm out of New York and later she spent 15 years as an accountant.  

New York Life has named Robert Petrocelli, Founder and Managing Director of Petrocelli Financial Services in New York City and a loyal NAIFA member since 1979, as the 2021-2022 Chair of the influential New York Life Agent Advisory Board of Directors (ABD). The ABD, according to the company, “is an elite group of 16 agents who meet with the company’s executive leaders to provide their perspectives on corporate strategic initiatives based on their experience in the insurance and financial services industry and running among the most successful agent practices in the country.”

In the latest departure of life insurance products, Lincoln Financial pulled new sales of both term and universal life policies from New York until an electronic signature process could be implemented. 

Cybersecurity a Top Priority of DFS
Cybersecurity continues to be a top priority of the Department of Financial Services (“DFS”). Watch this space for revisions to the current cybersecurity regulation and continued enforcement actions for failure to have policies and procedures in place or for inappropriately filing a certificate of compliance. To keep up to date and utilize the tools available, be sure to check out DFS's Cybersecurity Resource Center, including its tools for small businesses.

Ransomware Crisis Threatens All Financial Services Companies

DFS Guidance Identifies Key Cybersecurity Measures to Reduce Risk of Ransomware Attacks

Superintendent Linda A. Lacewell today announced that the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued new guidance on preventing ransomware attacks. In the guidance, DFS identifies cybersecurity controls that significantly reduce the risk of a ransomware attack and should be implemented by companies wherever possible. 

Legislative Session Update
As reported previously, the New York State Legislature concluded their legislative session on June 10 with their traditional flurry of legislative activity with 461 bills passing both houses during the final week.

As a point of reference, 892 bills passed both houses this session which began in January. Of the 892 measures, 652 have yet to be delivered to be Governor which is not atypical for this point in the year. We anticipate that most of these measures will be enacted into law with most of the vetoes occurring at the end of the year. It is unclear at this point what impact the pending investigations of the Executive Chamber will have if any on this process.

In a sign that the world is returning to some sense of normalcy, the State Capital is now open to the public.

June 22 was primary day in New York State. Due to the new ranked voting methodology, the winner in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary has not been declared but it appears that Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is the favorite to occupy Gracie Mansion next January.

As an aside, every state legislator seeking local office in New York City lost on primary day.

In Buffalo, Democratic Social of America member India Walton decisively upset four-term Mayor Byron Brown in the Democratic primary. Ms. Walton is the overwhelming favorite to be the next Mayor of Buffalo.

Finally, State Senator Todd Kaminsky has announced his candidacy for Nassau County District Attorney.

Peter Browne, LUTCF is serving as the Immediate Past President of NAIFA-NY and has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1965. Peter recently relocated to White Plains, NY but spent the bulk of his career in New York, NY with PRB Wealth Management. He specializes in executive compensation and estate planning. 

Legislative Session
As the June 10 close of session quickly approaches, the Assembly and Senate introduced and moved hundreds of bills the past couple of weeks. The Senate wrapped up their regularly scheduled Committee meetings and the Assembly will continue to hold Committee meetings until the week before they adjourn for the year.

Welcome new members who joined NAIFA-New York this May!

Belonging to your professional association sets you apart from the competition by ascribing to a Code of Ethics, voluntarily investing & participating in a performance-driven networking group, and serving your industry through advocacy and community service.

Gary Cappon, CLU, LUTCF, RICP, FSCP, CLTC is the President of NAIFA-NY and has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2006. He practices with Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., in Syracuse, NY, where he is the Vice President of Sales and Fixed Annuity Insurance Solutions and assists financial professionals from all over the country with every aspect of the planning process. This role enables him to use his knowledge and skills to provide solutions to complex problems.

Mitchell “Mitch” Ostrove CLU, ChFC, LACP serves as the VP of Professional Development on the NAIFA-NY Board and has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1965. He practices with The Ostrove Group, in White Plains, NY, where he specializes in insuring small closely held corporations.

Legislative Session
With the enactment of the State Budget, the Legislature has shifted its focus to programmatic issues. The Legislature plans to complete the 2021 Session on June 10th. Both houses will likely pass virtually thousands of bills over the next six weeks. The Attorney General’s investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Governor Cuomo will undoubtedly impact the pace and agenda for the balance of the Legislative Session.

The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, has ruled that state Insurance Regulation 187, “Suitability and Best Interests in Life Insurance and Annuity Transactions,” is unconstitutional. A 2018 amendment to Regulation 187 imposed a complicated new standard of care on annuity recommendations and broadened the scope of the regulation to include life insurance as well as annuity products.

Neil Himmelstein serves as the Vice President of Membership on the NAIFA-NY Board and has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1997. He practices with Main Street Planning Group, in Center Moriches, NY, where he specializes in high-net-worth programs such as Premium Finance and Restricted Property Trust and finding solutions for clients with health impairment needs.

Legislative Update from GreenbergTraurig, NAIFA-New York's lobbyists

Thank you to everyone that took time out of your busy day to complete our member survey. We truly appreciate it as your feedback will directly help to improve NAIFA-New York. We made notes of every single response that we received to ensure your feedback makes a difference.

NAIFA-NY has selected a new slate of officers to serve on its Board of Directors for 2021. The board is comprised of NAIFA members who bring a wealth of industry and association experience to their leadership roles. They will chart the course for the chapter’s 1,100 members over the coming year with a strong emphasis on state government advocacy.

Come together as NAIFA-New York on February 18 at 1:45 pm. Meet your 2021 NAIFA-NY Board of Directors and find out what's in store this year, as well as hear from industry legend, Joe Jordan. Joe will discuss the idea of using reverse mortgages as a bridge to social security and Medicare premiums driven by income, eating up social security, which is taxable.

The New York chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has reached an agreement with Greenberg Traurig under which the firm will represent the advocacy interests of NAIFA-New York with state legislators and regulators. Greenberg Traurig is a global law firm with offices around the country, including in Albany and New York City.

We have posted the on-demand version of our Town Hall that we held on November 12, 2020. The Town Hall focused on introducing the transition team, discussed next steps in installing a board and more. 

NAIFA-New York is excited to join NAIFA-New Jersey, NAIFA-Pennsylvania, and NAIFA-Delaware for their VIRTUAL TRIPLE PLAY - SUPER CE DAY...Three States, Three Hours, Three Speakers...and now, us!  Sign up now and be a part of the action on Tuesday, November 17th at 10 a.m.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ New York chapter (NAIFA-New York) and the Life Insurance Council of New York, Inc. (LICONY) will collaborate in 2021 and beyond on issues that are important to agents and advisors, the industry, and the consumers they serve.  

New York is one of three states to have implemented annuity transactions rules for producers that create a best interest standard in line with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. NAIFA is urging other states to adopt the NAIC model, which would enhance consumer protections while ensuring agents and advisors are able to effectively continue serving consumers in New York.

Team of industry stalwarts in the state will lead NAIFA’s New York chapter until state members select a new Board to take office in January.