California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 714

A licensed broker who accepts funds from others in connection with any transaction subject to this article who does not, as soon as possible, place those funds into a neutral escrow depository, shall place the funds into a trust fund account maintained by the broker in some bank or recognized depository and shall retain all the funds in the account until thebroker makesa disbursement of the funds in accordance with written instructions from the person entrusting the money.  The written instructions shall also set forth the specific purposes for which the broker may use money deposited with him or her.  If the broker wishes to use money from the deposit for a purpose not included in the written instructions, the broker shall first obtain the written consent of the person entrusting the money specifically authorizing the use proposed by the broker for the money.  The written consent may be given to the broker by a letter or facsimile.  A separate record shall be maintained of all moneys received subject to this section and shall further indicate the disposition thereof.  Any funds received by a licensed salesperson shall be delivered by the salesperson to the broker under whom the salesperson is at the time licensed.

As used in this section, “neutral escrow” means an escrow business conducted by a person licensed under Division 6 (commencing with Section 17000) of the Financial Code or by any person described by subdivision (a) or (c) of Section 17006 of the Financial Code.