Cal. Financial Code § 17631

Subject to the other provisions of this article, a conservator, while in possession of the property, business and assets of a licensee, has the same powers and rights and is subject to the same duties and obligations as the commissioner while in possession of the property, business and assets of a licensee; and during such time the rights of a licensee and of all persons with respect thereto, subject to the other provisions of this article, are the same as if the commissioner had taken possession of such property, business and assets. A conservator, while in possession of the property, business and assets of a licensee, shall have all the rights, powers and privileges of the licensee, its officers and directors. All expenses of any such conservatorship shall be paid out of the assets of the licensee and shall be a lien thereon which shall be prior to any other lien. The conservator shall receive a salary, fixed by the commissioners, in an amount no greater than that which would be paid by the commissioner to a special deputy in charge of the liquidation of the licensee.