The records of the Department of Investment, and its divisions, document many different facets of California's financial past. The records described in this inventory concern only the Division of Banking, the Division of Corporations, Division of Real Estate, and the Board of Investment.

The Department of Investment was established by law in 1929 (Chapter 277, Statutes of 1929, in effect August 14,1929). The department was created to bring under a single administration the activities and functions of five previously separate departments, i.e. the State Banking Department, Bureau of Building and Loan Supervision, State Corporation Department, Insurance Department, and State Real Estate Department. Under the 1929 law that created the Department of Investment, each of these departments became divisions that remained autonomous with no change in their functions, responsibilities, or powers. The same law also specified a Board of Investment consisting of the Superintendent of Banks and the respective commissioners of the remaining four divisions with each member serving as chairman in regular rotation. The current chairman was known as the Director of Investment.

36 cubic feet

For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives collections.

Some files produced by the Department of Investment are restricted according to California Government Code Section 7920, et seq.