Wherever, by statute of this state, collateral is required as security for the deposit of public or other funds; or deposits are required to be made with any public official or department; or an investment of capital or surplus, or a reserve or other fund, is required to be maintained consisting of designated securities, notes and bonds secured by mortgages insured, and debentures issued, by the federal housing administrator, and obligations of national mortgage associations shall be considered eligible securities for such purposes.