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HomeCommercial CodeDiv. 8Ch. 1§ 8103 Equity Interest Securities Definition

§ 8103 Equity Interest Securities Definition

Commercial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8103 Equity Interest Securities Definition

Key Takeaways

  • •If a company sells shares (like pieces of ownership), those are called 'securities'.
  • •Shares from special money-pooling companies (like mutual funds) are also securities, but insurance policies are not.
  • •Ownership in a small business (like a partnership) is usually not a security unless it’s traded like stocks or says it is.
  • •Some papers that look like money promises (like checks) are not securities, but can be treated like money assets if kept in a special account.

Example

You buy a piece of a big company like Apple.

That piece you bought is a security because it’s a share of a big company.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8103 Equity Interest Securities Definition

(a) A share or similar equity interest issued by a corporation, business trust, joint stock company, or similar entity is a security. (b) An “investment company security” is a security. “Investment company security” means a share or similar equity interest issued by an entity that is registered as an investment company under the federal investment company laws, an interest in a unit investment trust that is so registered, or a face-amount certificate issued by a face-amount certificate company that is so registered. Investment company security does not include an insurance policy or endowment policy or annuity contract issued by an insurance company. (c) An interest in a partnership or limited liability company is not a security unless it is dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, its terms expressly provide that it is a security governed by this division, or it is an investment company security. However, an interest in a partnership or limited liability company is a financial asset if it is held in a securities account. (d) A writing that is a security certificate is governed by this division and not by Division 3 (commencing with Section 3101), even though it also meets the requirements of that division. However, a negotiable instrument governed by Division 3 (commencing with Section 3101) is a financial asset if it is held in a securities account. (e) An option or similar obligation issued by a clearing corporation to its participants is not a security, but is a financial asset. (f) A commodity contract, as defined in paragraph (15) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102, is not a security or a financial asset. (g) A document of title is not a financial asset unless subparagraph (C) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (a) of Section 8102 applies. (h) A controllable account, controllable electronic record, or controllable payment intangible is not a financial asset unless subparagraph (C) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (a) of Section 8102 applies. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 210, Sec. 20. (SB 95) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

securityinvestment company securityequity interestfederal investment company laws

Related Statutes

  • § 8102 Financial Asset Definitions
  • § 8104 Security Interest Acquisition
  • § 9109 Applicability Of Division
  • § 10101 Uniform Commercial Code Leases
  • § 10102 Hybrid Lease Application

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Commercial Code. Section 8103.
View Official Source