This book investigates the complex legal frameworks governing the custody of assets held by intermediaries on behalf of investors. A. O. Austen-Peters provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal relationships between investors and entities such as brokers, investment managers, and central depositaries. The text examines how specific holding methods influence the legal rights of investors, particularly in the context of modern financial market infrastructures.

Legal professionals and financial scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intricacies of custodial law. Experts highlight the clarity with which the author navigates the technical intersection of property law and financial market practice.