{ "topic": "remote work", "generatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "count": 10, "records": [ { "id": "dfpi-eac-004", "slug": "2024-07-29-meeting-minutes-04", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2024-07-29", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2024/09/2024-7-29-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2024/09/2024-7-29-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "166c4805e2f54e451a51b55d071073b65d9a00932ecc3bf7de091b120dd90f40", "textHash": "b7559dcfb3ca9e1f3a923175ce167f398dbf398d6a67284fcd53033ea324de5c", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "automation", "education", "NMLS", "licensing", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "automation", "education", "NMLS", "licensing", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching automation, education, NMLS, licensing, and enforcement.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "ted that the industry could collaborate with DFPI during the development process to design various forms and reports. Liang mentioned that some review processes could be automated, allowing the system to verify data accuracy and send notifications. He also noted that NMLS includes an electronic surety bond feature, which has been used by other DFPI programs. Larry Black expressed his support for transitioning to NMLS, noting that the system could eventually support individual licenses. Heidi Cassel emphasized the importance of keeping licensees’ records segregated, ensuring that each company’s", "ESCROW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING July 29, 2024 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 300 S. Spring St., 15th floor conference room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Or via. Microsoft Teams Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Greg Young, Senior Deputy Commissioner Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Milad Farag, Special Administrator – Regulatory Sultanna Wan, Special Administrator - Licensing Affi Eghbaldari, Senior Counsel Committee Members: Barry Sender, Granite Escrow & Settlem", "and reposted on the DFPI’s website. Silberberg made a motion to approve the minutes, and Barry Sender seconded the motion. The minutes were then approved. Page 1 of 4 3. NMLS Sheila mentioned several advisory members brought up NMLS during the previous meeting. She proposed providing an overview of the system and seeking feedback on whether the escrow industry could benefit from its use. NMLS is the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, a system of record for depository institutions, their subsidiaries, mortgage loan originators, mortgage bankers, and other financial service providers for li", "sioner Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Assistant Deputy Commissioner Milad Farag, Special Administrator – Regulatory Sultanna Wan, Special Administrator - Licensing Affi Eghbaldari, Senior Counsel Committee Members: Barry Sender, Granite Escrow & Settlement Services / Other Business Ownership Heidi Cassel, Solaris Escrow, Inc. / Medium Sized Escrow Company Juliana Tu, Viva Escrow! Inc. / Business Specialization Larry Black via phone, Diamond Country Escrow, Inc. / Small Business Matthew Davis, Esq., Davis & Davis Law Group, APC Nancy Silberberg, Altus Escrow, Inc./Past Chairpers", "erral fee cases are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. When a DFPI examiner finds sufficient evidence of kickbacks or referral fees, the matter is referred to DFPI Enforcement for appropriate action. Most advisory members felt that the current referral fee provision in the escrow law does not need amendment for clarification on prohibited compensations. They requested DFPI to issue a guidance memorandum on referral fee practices and to remind licensees of the consequences of violating this provision. Liang stated that DFPI would consider this request. 5. Remote Work Liang provided a summ" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-005", "slug": "2024-07-29-agenda-05", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Agenda", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2024-07-29", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "agenda", "recordTypeLabel": "agenda", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2024/07/Escrow-Advisory-Committee-Agenda-for-7-29-24-Meeting.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2024/07/Escrow-Advisory-Committee-Agenda-for-7-29-24-Meeting.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "d85ee29e74982a7bdb93461ccf92df5f6ce856f3bbf4fd2ab53bdd4aa36c52ca", "textHash": "ca01f5af727c5a78417f42ac7374f1c2c2f6428bc6d6302bcec76c02a4a6b52f", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "education", "NMLS", "licensing", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "education", "NMLS", "licensing", "remote work" ], "summary": "agenda from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching education, NMLS, licensing, and remote work.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "tion GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom · COMMISSIONER Clothilde V. Hewlett ESCROW LAW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING July 29, 2024, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 300 S. Spring St., 15th floor video conference room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Or Join on your computer or mobile device https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 229 582 068 87 Passcode: xaH5tv Or call in (audio only) +1 916-409-6163,,327800243# United States, Sacramento Phone conference ID: 941 647 552# AGENDA 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks Paul Liang 2. Review and Approval of Minutes for 6/18/24 meeting Paul Liang 3. NMLS Sheila Oliver ", "States, Sacramento Phone conference ID: 941 647 552# AGENDA 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks Paul Liang 2. Review and Approval of Minutes for 6/18/24 meeting Paul Liang 3. NMLS Sheila Oliver 4. Referral fee violations Paul Liang 5. Remote Work Paul Liang 6. Escrow License Paul Liang 7. Public Comments 8. Closing Remarks Paul Liang In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation servic", "ul Liang 2. Review and Approval of Minutes for 6/18/24 meeting Paul Liang 3. NMLS Sheila Oliver 4. Referral fee violations Paul Liang 5. Remote Work Paul Liang 6. Escrow License Paul Liang 7. Public Comments 8. Closing Remarks Paul Liang In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Requests should be directed to Paul Liang i", "1. Welcome and Opening Remarks Paul Liang 2. Review and Approval of Minutes for 6/18/24 meeting Paul Liang 3. NMLS Sheila Oliver 4. Referral fee violations Paul Liang 5. Remote Work Paul Liang 6. Escrow License Paul Liang 7. Public Comments 8. Closing Remarks Paul Liang In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Requests s" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-015", "slug": "2023-06-13-meeting-minutes-15", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2023-06-13", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-6-13-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-6-13-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "ab916f6e5a004f39a0e7b53a0e4d05f2cc167c45c056daac9b55302917536120", "textHash": "6afe05cdafd0869f56c514ab54438e702d7a5391c301ea5fb111eb66d940bb15", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "title", "settlement funds", "consumer protection", "wire fraud", "escrow instructions", "wire instructions", "seller proceeds", "buyer funding", "trust account", "good funds", "title insurance", "education", "real estate fraud", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "title", "settlement funds", "consumer protection", "wire fraud", "escrow instructions", "wire instructions", "seller proceeds", "buyer funding", "trust account", "good funds", "title insurance", "education", "real estate fraud", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching title, settlement funds, consumer protection, wire fraud, and escrow instructions.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "struction under the escrow regulation. Garcia commented that the problem to say no to CDA is to give a competitive advantage to DRE broker-controlled escrow companies or title-controlled escrow companies that will say yes. Liang stated the Department observed in recent years real estate brokers used escrow agents as Page 3 of 6 bookkeeper to manage their earned commissions and use those funds to pay their personal and business expenses such as to pay referral fees to a different broker, paying college tuitions, personal credit card payment, car payment, child support, alimony, etc. Liang remin", "Licensees Page 2 of 6 should also be aware it may be outside of the scope of escrow to provide bookkeeping and bill payment services to the seller for their funds in the trust account. Larry Black questioned if a licensee holds rent or security deposit post-closing, would the funds being held be considered a holding escrow. Liang stated whether any remaining funds in the escrow would be considered as turning into holding escrow requires a review on a case-by-case basis. Typically, post-closing funds being held for repair, termite works, etc. are not considered as holding escrow. If the license", " to submit an annual audit report. It is not uncommon to see a licensee rescind their request to surrender a license. Garcia questioned how such requirement will benefit consumer if a licensee does not have the funds to meet its financial requirements or to engage a CPA to do an annual audit. Liang stated maintaining financial requirements and submitting an annual audit mitigate risks to consumer funds. Those requirements may be waived under some circumstances such as when the Department is placing the company under conservatorship or receivership. In those cases, an annual audit report may no", "ion where the sellers were a traveling couple. The licensee communicated with the sellers verbally and electronically. The licensee had the seller’s signed and notarized wire instructions. The transaction was recorded, and proceeds were wired. The licensee also mailed the final closing statement to the sellers. The wire was rejected by the receiving bank because the beneficiaries on the wire were different from the name of the account holder. The vacant landowner received the final closing statement and contacted the licensee that they had no knowledge of this sale. It appears a fraudster impe", "he proceeds. Cassel suggested licensees remain neutral and ask the seller(s) to get legal advice as there may be tax consequences. Liang stated if a licensee follows the instructions from the principals to disburse proceeds to seller(s) of the transaction, there is no apparent escrow violation. Licensees are encouraged to disburse proceeds promptly to avoid proceeds being turned into a holding escrow. Licensees Page 2 of 6 should also be aware it may be outside of the scope of escrow to provide bookkeeping and bill payment services to the seller for their funds in the trust account. Larry Blac" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-017", "slug": "2023-03-14-meeting-minutes-17", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2023-03-14", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2023/06/2023-3-14-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2023/06/2023-3-14-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "35d659494a28126c56b9b08acf49242a2522f0f85a2b3aa7b5d327f88d385346", "textHash": "ad6c040080eac045e7e7696203447f8ae568b4bb4652937fbcc71bc04672a401", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "settlement funds", "trust account", "education", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "settlement funds", "trust account", "education", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching settlement funds, trust account, education, licensing, and examinations.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "ount. In addition to sharing the crypto survey results, Liang also surveyed advisory members whether any industry representatives were aware of escrow companies having a trust account opened with Silicon Valley Bank. Industry representatives were not aware of any escrow companies affected by the bank run at Silicon Valley Bank. Advisory members and members of the public discussed FDIC insurance limit and how the escrow industry worked with the FDIC in the 90s after FDIC took Guardian Bank under receivership. 5. Field Examinations Suzuki informed the advisory members that the escrow law program", "ount. In addition to sharing the crypto survey results, Liang also surveyed advisory members whether any industry representatives were aware of escrow companies having a trust account opened with Silicon Valley Bank. Industry representatives were not aware of any escrow companies affected by the bank run at Silicon Valley Bank. Advisory members and members of the public discussed FDIC insurance limit and how the escrow industry worked with the FDIC in the 90s after FDIC took Guardian Bank under receivership. 5. Field Examinations Suzuki informed the advisory members that the escrow law program", "ESCROW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING March 14, 2023 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 320 West 4th Street, 7th floor conference room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Or via. Microsoft Team Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Portfolio Manager Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Committee Members: Claire Bartos, Las Brisas Escrow, Inc. / Immediate Past Chairperson EIC * Heidi Cassel, Solaris Escrow, Inc. / Medium Sized Escrow Company Juliana Tu, Viva Escrow! Inc. /", "or organizational alignment to provide regulatory support and supervision to the industry. In the past, the escrow program had only one special administrator who managed licensing, examination, and administrative functions. As both the industry and the program grew during the past ten years, the program divided up the above three functions to have one licensing special administrator to manage both licensing and administrative functions, and one regulatory special administrator to manage the exam functions. The DFPI will divide up the duties and responsibilities for the licensing special admini", "tional alignment to provide regulatory support and supervision to the industry. In the past, the escrow program had only one special administrator who managed licensing, examination, and administrative functions. As both the industry and the program grew during the past ten years, the program divided up the above three functions to have one licensing special administrator to manage both licensing and administrative functions, and one regulatory special administrator to manage the exam functions. The DFPI will divide up the duties and responsibilities for the licensing special administrator and" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-019", "slug": "2022-12-20-meeting-minutes-19", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2022-12-20", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2023/03/2022-12-20-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2023/03/2022-12-20-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "e2f9c4e903510ad6cbd568e6f8566025d817a76090e850c33e2c8ed58aa55c3b", "textHash": "cc0c475979c15b1a725a54c66a7a479dbe235c1c53cfa252ba3a1070a7b1fc9b", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "education", "licensing", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "education", "licensing", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching education, licensing, enforcement, escrow accounting software, and remote work.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "ESCROW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING December 20, 2022 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 300 S. Spring Street, 15th Floor Conference Room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Or via. Microsoft Team Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Committee Members: Claire Bartos, Las Brisas Escrow, Inc. / Immediate Past Chairperson EIC * Jennifer Woodard, Oak Escrow Inc. / Vice Chairperson – EAFC Juliana Tu, Viva Esc", " CA 90013 Or via. Microsoft Team Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Committee Members: Claire Bartos, Las Brisas Escrow, Inc. / Immediate Past Chairperson EIC * Jennifer Woodard, Oak Escrow Inc. / Vice Chairperson – EAFC Juliana Tu, Viva Escrow! Inc. / Business Specialization Larry Black via phone, Diamond Country Escrow, Inc. / Small Business Patricia J. (P.J.) Garcia, Beach Pacific Escrow, Inc./Chairperson EIC * * Escrow Institute of ", "he advisory meeting is only two hours, program would prioritize agenda items to fit those most important and relevant to pressing matters into the two-hour timeframe. 5. Enforcement Actions and Licensing Update There is no update about enforcement actions taken since the last advisory meeting. Liang provided a brief licensing stats update. The number of licensed companies and the number of licensed locations is both increased from a year ago. The licensing trend still shows a trend of increasing. This trend is consistent during the four quarters of 2022. Larry Black asked if the DFPI has seen ", "sees. There were only about 40 companies responded to the survey. The ad hoc team will try to extend the survey for more participants to reply. The ad hoc team invited a software vendor to the team’s meeting to talk about how companies can protect themselves while working remotely. The ad hoc team meets biweekly. Page 1 of 3 PJ Garcia provided an update for the ad hoc team for audit regulation. The ad hoc team is working to identify provisions in the law that are not applicable or enforceable by the DFPI. Garcia gave an example about adding machine. The requirement to use an adding machine tap", "es. Juliana Tu seconded the motion. The minutes was approved. 3. Ad Hoc Committee Sheila Oliver stated two Ad Hoc advisory teams were established in November to research remote work and audit regulation issues. The ad hoc teams will research subject matters and report back to the advisory group to assist DFPI understand these matters and how they impact the industry. Tu provided an update about the ad hoc team for remote work. Tu stated a survey was done to escrow licensees. There were only about 40 companies responded to the survey. The ad hoc team will try to extend the survey for more parti" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-021", "slug": "2022-09-07-meeting-minutes-21", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2022-09-07", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/12/2022-9-7-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/12/2022-9-7-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "19cca24819d5f2ee9cd77f0cf9a01b556e31927ce3d8e0dd1616cf5c396977b3", "textHash": "77dbd987f48dc0ae93215c11ce436bdcdb0a0673b2f83ff183e350601a2060c3", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "consumer protection", "complaints", "education", "NMLS", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "consumer protection", "complaints", "education", "NMLS", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching consumer protection, complaints, education, NMLS, and licensing.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "oining the DFPI. Advisory members also introduced themselves to the Commissioner. Commissioner Hewlett briefly shared her vision for the DFPI which primarily focusing on consumer protection; encourage safe, responsible, and innovative growth of financial marketplace; help to stimulate the economy and encourage responsible innovation and smart enforcement; and make the DFPI a national model for consumer protection and responsible innovation. Commissioner Hewlett also shared some of the goals derived from her vision as follows: - Implementation of the California Consumer Financial Protection Law", " derived from her vision as follows: - Implementation of the California Consumer Financial Protection Law, specifically, providing guidance to companies on responding to complaints, strengthening the DFPI’s engagement with innovators through the Office of Financial Technology Innovation, and establishing registration procedures Page 1 of 3 - Implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order to create policies that strengthen consumer protection while promoting responsible innovation on Crypto Assets that are equitable, inclusive, and consider environmental impact - Enabling generational wealth-", "ESCROW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING September 7, 2022 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 2101 Arena Blvd., Room 110A/B Video Conference Room, Sacramento, CA 95834 300 S. Spring Street, 15th Floor Conference Room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (866) 709-4440; participant code 7675-977 Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Clothilde Hewlett, Commissioner Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Committee Members: Benjamin Griffin, Griffin, P.C. ", "ition to sharing her vision for the DFPI, Commissioner Hewlett also shared her vision for the Escrow Law program as follows: - Transition the escrow law program onto the Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System (NMLS) to bring efficiencies to escrow licensure and examination - Resolve escrow law program’s operational deficiencies to ensure the program has the resources to provide adequate regulatory support for both consumers and the industry - Modernizing the escrow law. The DFPI’s legal division will work closely with the Escrow Law program to identify areas in the statute and regulations whi", " Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Clothilde Hewlett, Commissioner Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Committee Members: Benjamin Griffin, Griffin, P.C. / Attorney Bradley Cohen, Granite Escrow & Settlement Services / Other Business Ownership Claire Bartos, Las Brisas Escrow, Inc. / Immediate Past Chairperson EIC * Heidi Cassel, Solaris Escrow, Inc. / Medium Sized Escrow Company Juliana Tu via phone, Viva Escrow! Inc. / Business Specialization Larry Black via phone, Dia" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-022", "slug": "2022-06-07-agenda-22", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Agenda", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2022-06-07", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "agenda", "recordTypeLabel": "agenda", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/05/Escrow-Advisory-Committee-Agenda-for-6-7-22-Meeting.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/05/Escrow-Advisory-Committee-Agenda-for-6-7-22-Meeting.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "359ac2bba397fe13bc2bd71981a57f63de2ce24347107f8e635ac2fd4358c93d", "textHash": "8c4f99e06d2370c21fd97c57ad5db74e20771e19676275f7c45fcbad09194fca", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "education", "licensing", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "education", "licensing", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "summary": "agenda from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching education, licensing, enforcement, escrow accounting software, and remote work.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "tt ESCROW LAW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING June 7, 2022, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call-In Number: (866) 709-4440 Participant Code: 7675-977 300 S. Spring Street, 15th Floor Video Conference Room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 * AGENDA 1. Welcome and Opening Remarks Paul Liang 2. Review and Approval of Minutes for 3/8/22 meeting Paul Liang 3. Advisory Committee Updates and Upcoming Openings Paul Liang 4. Update for Rulemaking (PRO 13/13) and Remote Work Guidance Summer Volkmer 5. Cryptocurrencies Paul Liang 6. Escrow Accounting Software Gary Suzuki 7. Enforcement Actions and Licensing Update Paul Liang 8. Publi", "te for Rulemaking (PRO 13/13) and Remote Work Guidance Summer Volkmer 5. Cryptocurrencies Paul Liang 6. Escrow Accounting Software Gary Suzuki 7. Enforcement Actions and Licensing Update Paul Liang 8. Public Comments 9. Closing Remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Requests should be directed to Pa", "nings Paul Liang 4. Update for Rulemaking (PRO 13/13) and Remote Work Guidance Summer Volkmer 5. Cryptocurrencies Paul Liang 6. Escrow Accounting Software Gary Suzuki 7. Enforcement Actions and Licensing Update Paul Liang 8. Public Comments 9. Closing Remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Requests ", "dvisory Committee Updates and Upcoming Openings Paul Liang 4. Update for Rulemaking (PRO 13/13) and Remote Work Guidance Summer Volkmer 5. Cryptocurrencies Paul Liang 6. Escrow Accounting Software Gary Suzuki 7. Enforcement Actions and Licensing Update Paul Liang 8. Public Comments 9. Closing Remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven", "g 2. Review and Approval of Minutes for 3/8/22 meeting Paul Liang 3. Advisory Committee Updates and Upcoming Openings Paul Liang 4. Update for Rulemaking (PRO 13/13) and Remote Work Guidance Summer Volkmer 5. Cryptocurrencies Paul Liang 6. Escrow Accounting Software Gary Suzuki 7. Enforcement Actions and Licensing Update Paul Liang 8. Public Comments 9. Closing Remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. " ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-023", "slug": "2022-06-07-meeting-minutes-23", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2022-06-07", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/08/2022-6-7-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/08/2022-6-7-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "bf498c187eec6efdb129e85bdc8fcdca43a9e7af84646c67790cc1d99eb27bda", "textHash": "772fa5bad1a955344ecb3250601ef472c84ff5377f937ffd999db434a232f5ca", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "title", "education", "training", "NMLS", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "title", "education", "training", "NMLS", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "escrow accounting software", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching title, education, training, NMLS, and licensing.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "ve for small business, a CPA who has escrow agent clients, and a representative for companies with other ownership. Other ownership may include escrow companies owned by title companies or real estate brokers. Manager or corporate officer of independent escrow companies are eligible to serve on the committee. Opening announcement will be posted on the website. Anyone who qualifies is welcome to apply. Liang thanked the three members whose terms are ending on August 30, 2022. He briefly went over the purpose of the committee, , the role of committee members, the appointment process and clarifie", "ESCROW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING June 7, 2022 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 300 S. Spring Street, 15th Floor Conference Room, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (866) 709-4440; participant code 7675-977 Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Adam Wright, Senior Counsel Sherri Kaufman, Senior Counsel Summer Volkmer, Senior Counsel Committee Members Via Call-In to the Conference Line: Benjamin G", "ng level to internally re-organize and dedicate resources to work on several big projects. Some of these projects include to modernize the escrow law, provide compliance training and education, revisit the assessment method after years of operating deficit, and also to explore the option to move the program on NMLS. The program will reach out to the advisory committee for guidance at the appropriate time. Benjamin Griffin stated the advisory committee may have subcommittees to assist with these projects. There may be exemptions from the public meeting act if a subcommittee consists of less tha", "row law, provide compliance training and education, revisit the assessment method after years of operating deficit, and also to explore the option to move the program on NMLS. The program will reach out to the advisory committee for guidance at the appropriate time. Benjamin Griffin stated the advisory committee may have subcommittees to assist with these projects. There may be exemptions from the public meeting act if a subcommittee consists of less than three members. Alternatively, committee members can do information gathering exercise outside of the committee and bring those findings back", "-4440; participant code 7675-977 Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Represented by: Sheila Oliver, Deputy Commissioner Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator – Regulatory Adam Wright, Senior Counsel Sherri Kaufman, Senior Counsel Summer Volkmer, Senior Counsel Committee Members Via Call-In to the Conference Line: Benjamin Griffin, Griffin, P.C. / Attorney Bill Nelson, Express Escrow, Inc. / Chairperson – EAFC** Claire Bartos, Las Brisas Escrow, Inc. / Immediate Past Chairperson EIC * Heather Siracusa, Orchard Hills Escrow, Inc. / Small B" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-024", "slug": "2022-03-08-agenda-24", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Agenda", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2022-03-08", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "agenda", "recordTypeLabel": "agenda", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/02/Escrow-Advisory-Committee-Agenda-for-3-8-22-Meeting.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/02/Escrow-Advisory-Committee-Agenda-for-3-8-22-Meeting.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "04c3749184d81dab2002e0bb0913b65290b867b9497a4fb495ef6a319a4b08c4", "textHash": "5ccf834fbed883adef035c0f7f236b1433fe7d38e9cfd84684295423d6beb5b8", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "summary": "agenda from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching licensing, examinations, enforcement, and remote work.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ " and approval of minutes for 12/7/21 meeting Paul Liang 3. DFPI Updates Paul Liang 4. Remote work Paul Liang 5. Remote examination Gary Suzuki 6. Enforcement actions and licensing update Paul Liang 7. Public comments 8. Closing remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Requests should be directed to Pa", "AGENDA 1. Welcome and opening remarks Paul Liang 2. Review and approval of minutes for 12/7/21 meeting Paul Liang 3. DFPI Updates Paul Liang 4. Remote work Paul Liang 5. Remote examination Gary Suzuki 6. Enforcement actions and licensing update Paul Liang 7. Public comments 8. Closing remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in", "rks Paul Liang 2. Review and approval of minutes for 12/7/21 meeting Paul Liang 3. DFPI Updates Paul Liang 4. Remote work Paul Liang 5. Remote examination Gary Suzuki 6. Enforcement actions and licensing update Paul Liang 7. Public comments 8. Closing remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation services at least seven days in advance of the meeting. Requests ", "articipant Code: 7675-977 AGENDA 1. Welcome and opening remarks Paul Liang 2. Review and approval of minutes for 12/7/21 meeting Paul Liang 3. DFPI Updates Paul Liang 4. Remote work Paul Liang 5. Remote examination Gary Suzuki 6. Enforcement actions and licensing update Paul Liang 7. Public comments 8. Closing remarks Paul Liang (In limited occurrences or due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be a change to the order of agenda items.) Special accommodations for disabled persons, such as sign language interpreter services, are available. Please make requests for special accommodation servi" ] }, { "id": "dfpi-eac-025", "slug": "2022-03-08-meeting-minutes-25", "sourceId": "dfpi-escrow-advisory-committee", "title": "DFPI Escrow Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes", "agencyName": "California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation", "jurisdiction": "California", "meetingDate": "2022-03-08", "publishedDate": null, "recordType": "meeting_minutes", "recordTypeLabel": "meeting minutes", "sourceUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/05/2022-3-8-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "rawFileUrl": "https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2022/05/2022-3-8-EAC-Meeting-Minutes.pdf", "sourceSnapshotHash": "4cdd9eae76ce4b1cde4aaface65dd74fefe0d72721538c0a12e9170918e26b9a", "textHash": "4618ea6cedfd96aebaca0b621d74abf96b2735e1cdbc432e5de24095d8d0784b", "extractedTextStatus": "complete", "topics": [ "escrow", "settlement funds", "consumer protection", "trust account", "cybersecurity", "education", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "entityNames": [ "DFPI", "Escrow Advisory Committee" ], "quotedTerms": [ "escrow", "settlement funds", "consumer protection", "trust account", "cybersecurity", "education", "licensing", "examinations", "enforcement", "remote work" ], "summary": "meeting minutes from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation with public discussion or agenda items touching settlement funds, consumer protection, trust account, cybersecurity, and education.", "reviewedStatus": "machine_extracted", "createdAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "updatedAt": "2026-06-03T20:12:49.069Z", "relevantPassages": [ "t provided licensees follow this guidance. If the industry believes provisions of the escrow law may be amended to allow remote work without weakening the protection for consumer funds, the industry may start a dialogue with the DFPI to find a workable path which satisfies a business need and the need for consumer protection. The two needs are not mutually exclusive. The escrow program continuously reviews escrow licensee’s remote work arrangements. It assesses the risk of cyber-attack, employee theft, and breach of consumer confidential information at a remote work location. It also assesses ", "t provided licensees follow this guidance. If the industry believes provisions of the escrow law may be amended to allow remote work without weakening the protection for consumer funds, the industry may start a dialogue with the DFPI to find a workable path which satisfies a business need and the need for consumer protection. The two needs are not mutually exclusive. The escrow program continuously reviews escrow licensee’s remote work arrangements. It assesses the risk of cyber-attack, employee theft, and breach of consumer confidential information at a remote work location. It also assesses ", "ublic places such as a coffee shop. Cassel commented the difference between a branch office and an employee remote home office may be that the branch office has a branch trust account attached to it. 8. Closing remarks Liang thanked everyone for calling-in and their participation. The next meeting is scheduled for June 7, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Meeting announcement will be posted on the department’s website. At about 12 noon, the meeting adjourned. Page 4 of 4", "onsumer protection. The two needs are not mutually exclusive. The escrow program continuously reviews escrow licensee’s remote work arrangements. It assesses the risk of cyber-attack, employee theft, and breach of consumer confidential information at a remote work location. It also assesses whether a licensee’s bonds would cover loss at a remote-work location, and how licensee maintains its books and records remotely. It is unclear how remote work would affect current branch offices. About one-third of licensed locations are escrow branch offices. Whether some of those branch licenses would be", "tection and Innovation Represented by: Paul Liang, Special Administrator – Licensing Gary Suzuki, Special Administrator - Regulatory Committee Members Via Call-In to the Conference Line: Benjamin Griffin, Griffin, P.C. / Attorney Bill Nelson, Express Escrow, Inc. / Chairperson – EAFC** Claire Bartos, Las Brisas Escrow, Inc. / Immediate Past Chairperson EIC * Heather Siracusa, Orchard Hills Escrow, Inc. / Small Business Heidi Cassel, Solaris Escrow, Inc. / Medium Sized Escrow Company Jeff Behm, Baldwin Moffitt Behm LLP, Certified Public Accountant Juliana Tu, Viva Escrow! Inc. / Business Specia" ] } ] }