They may have just taken "possession" and not direct ownership...

They may have just taken "possession" and not direct ownership of the stock. Ie - they may just be holding it under their control but may not actually own the holding.

Nobody really knows and I guess it depends on how the lawyers twist the words in Opes agreements and where they draw the line.

I highly doubt ANZ want to take ownership of the many companies that they will be "forced" to under the Corporations Act. It would more than likely be a substanial hindrance to them than benefit so they will more than likely look for ways out of this.

I think ASIC would more than likely relax the takeover rules in such a special instance while this mess is sorted out.

Time will tell.