A licensee deposits a client’s check into the broker’s personal account. This is

Conversion involves the unauthorized use or handling of a client’s funds for personal gain. While depositing a client’s check into a personal account could constitute conversion if the funds are misappropriated, the primary issue in this scenario is the mixing of client funds with personal finances, which is specifically classified as commingling.

Even if the check is from the client’s business account, depositing it into the broker’s personal account is still not acceptable. The fundamental issue of commingling remains, as client funds should always be deposited into a designated trust account to ensure proper handling and accountability.

The timing of the client's transaction does not mitigate the violation of depositing funds into a personal account. Commingling is a strict violation of ethical and legal standards regardless of the transaction timeframe, and it is essential to maintain clear boundaries between personal and client funds at all times.