(a) For the purpose of executing any of the powers and performing any of the duties respectively conferred or imposed upon it, as receiver, by this chapter, the department may, in its name as receiver of such financial institution, prosecute any action at law or in equity in any
court of this state or of any other state or in any federal court, whether or not such action is pending on behalf of the financial institution at the time it takes possession. It may likewise defend any action at law or in equity pending against the financial institution at the time it takes possession. The department may, in its name as receiver of a corporation, institute and maintain any action which any director, officer, or such corporation or any shareholder or creditor thereof could have instituted or maintained.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of other laws to the contrary, the statute of limitations on all causes of action which may accrue to any financial institution over whose affairs the department is receiver shall
be extended for a period of six months.