(a) A credit union and a CUSO shall be operated in a manner that demonstrates to the public the separate existence of the credit union and the CUSO.
(b) At the request of the Commissioner, the credit union shall provide to the Commissioner a written legal opinion of counsel as to whether the CUSO is established in a manner that will limit potential exposure of the credit union to no more than the loss of funds invested in, or lent to, the CUSO. The legal opinion shall address factors that have led courts to “pierce the corporate veil” such as inadequate capitalization, lack of separate corporate identity, common boards of directors and employees, control of one entity over another, and lack of separate books and records. Independent legal counsel of the investing credit union or the CUSO may provide the legal opinion.