THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTS AND PERMISSIBLE TRANSACTIONS; AUDITS.

(a) The comptroller may contract with one or more third-party entities for the administration or management of the reserve, including contracting with:

(1) a qualified custodian who employs secure custodial technologies, including cold storage; and

(2) a qualified liquidity provider to facilitate the purchase and management of assets in the reserve.

(b) For purposes of Subsection (a)(2), "qualified liquidity provider" means an entity that:

(1) is licensed or regulated under applicable federal or state law;

(2) maintains audited financial statements prepared by a regulated auditor;

(3) has at least five years of experience trading in the digital assets industry;

(4) maintains an office and has a registered principal in this state; and

(5) has certified in a method prescribed by the comptroller that the provider meets the requirements of Subdivisions (1)-(4).

(c) If the comptroller determines it is in the best interest of the reserve, the comptroller may use derivatives.

(d) The comptroller may contract with a certified public accountant to perform an independent audit of the reserve.