Navigating the complexities of financial services can be challenging, but the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is committed to providing assistance and information to consumers and industry professionals alike. Located at One State Street Plaza in the heart of New York City’s Financial District, the DFS headquarters serves as a central hub for inquiries, complaints, and regulatory information. This guide provides you with comprehensive contact details and directions to ensure your concerns are addressed efficiently.
General Inquiries and Consumer Support
For immediate assistance with consumer questions or complaints, the DFS Hotline is your first point of contact. Staffed during business hours, a dedicated team is ready to guide you through your concerns.
- DFS Hotline: (800) 342-3736
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Whether you have questions about insurance, banking, or financial products, reaching out to the hotline is a direct way to get initial guidance.
Licensing and Regulatory Questions
Professionals seeking information on licensing or navigating regulatory requirements can also find support through the DFS. A dedicated unit is available to address specific licensing inquiries.
- Licensing Questions: (800) 342-3736 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Local Calls: (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600
- Insurance Licensing Unit Email: [email protected]
This dedicated contact ensures that professionals can efficiently access the information needed for compliance and operational clarity within New York’s financial sector.
Accessing Public Records via FOIL
The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) grants the public access to government agency records. For those seeking to obtain records from the Department of Financial Services, understanding the FOIL request process is crucial.
- Learn more about FOIL Requests: Request DFS Records Through the Freedom of Information Law
By utilizing the FOIL process, individuals can gain transparency into the operations and records maintained by the NYS DFS, promoting accountability and public awareness.
Legal Inquiries and the Office of General Counsel at One State Street Plaza
For legal matters requiring the attention of the Department’s legal team, direct contact with the Office of General Counsel is essential. Located at One State Street Plaza, this office handles legal inquiries related to financial services regulations and compliance.
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: New York State Department of Financial Services, Office of General Counsel, 1 State Street, New York, NY 10004-1511
When submitting legal inquiries, ensure to include comprehensive contact information (mailing address, email, and phone number) to facilitate a prompt and effective response from the Office of General Counsel located at One State Street Plaza.
Media and Public Affairs Contacts
For members of the media seeking information or interviews, the Public Affairs office is the designated point of contact.
- Media Inquiries Phone: (212) 709-1691
- Media Inquiries Email: [email protected]
Journalists and media professionals can utilize these contacts to connect with the DFS Public Affairs team for press releases, statements, and expert commentary on financial matters in New York State.
Submitting Public Comments
The DFS values public input on various matters, from banking bulletins to proposed regulations. Several avenues exist for submitting your comments and opinions.
Weekly Banking Bulletin Comments
To comment on items within the Weekly Banking Bulletin, ensure timely submission to the Office of the General Counsel at the One State Street address.
- Mail or In Person: New York State Department of Financial Services, Office of the General Counsel, 1 State Street, New York, New York 10004
- Email: [email protected]
- Timeline: Within 10 calendar days of the bulletin posting
Health Insurance Rate Increase Comments
Public feedback on proposed health insurance premium increases is encouraged. For detailed information and to submit comments, please visit the dedicated section on the DFS website.
- Learn more and submit comments: health insurance rate increases or submit comments about a proposed premium increase
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Comments
The DFS actively seeks public comment on bank performance under the Community Reinvestment Act. Your input is valuable in assessing how banks are meeting local credit needs. Comments should be directed to the Consumer Examinations Unit at the One State Street Plaza location.
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Samantha Darche, Deputy Superintendent, Consumer Examinations Unit, Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division, New York State Department of Financial Services, 1 State Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10004-1511
Comments on Proposed Regulations
Your insights on proposed regulations are crucial to shaping the financial landscape of New York. Submit comments via the process outlined in the regulatory activities section of the DFS website.
- Learn more and submit comments: our regulatory activities section
DFS Office Locations Including One State Street Plaza, New York
While One State Street Plaza serves as a primary location, the DFS has offices across New York State to better serve the public.
New York City – Headquarters at One State Street Plaza
- Address: New York State Department of Financial Services, 1 State Street, New York, NY 10004-1511
Albany Office
- Address: New York State Department of Financial Services, 1 Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY 12257
Additional Office Locations
- Buffalo: 535 Washington Street, Suite 305, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Garden City: 1399 Franklin Avenue, Suite 203, Garden City, NY 11530
- Syracuse: New York State Department of Financial Services, 333 East Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Website Technical Support
For any technical issues or inquiries related to the DFS website, a dedicated webmaster contact is available.
- Webmaster Email: webmaster
This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the necessary contact information to effectively communicate with the New York State Department of Financial Services at One State Street Plaza and other locations, facilitating a smoother interaction with this vital regulatory body.
