California Financial Code Section 1816.2

(a) For purposes of Sections 1816.3 to 1816.8, inclusive, a licensee shall be deemed to own an eligible security only if the following apply: (1) The licensee owns the eligible security solely and exclusively in its own right, both of record and beneficially. (2) The eligible security is not subject to any pledge, lien, or security interest. (3) The licensee can freely negotiate, assign, or otherwise transfer the eligible security. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), no licensee shall be deemed not to own an eligible security solely on account of any of the following facts, provided that, but for such fact, the licensee would be deemed to own the eligible security under the provisions of subdivision (a): (1) The fact that the eligible security is owned of record by a documented nominee of the licensee or by a securities depository which is licensed under, or exempt from licensing under, Division 14 (commencing with Section 30000). (2) The fact that the licensee has pledged the eligible security with the United States or any state of the United States to secure payment by the licensee of transmission money. (3) The fact that pursuant to Section 1816 the eligible securities are owned beneficially by the persons from whom the licensee received transmission money.