S.C. Code Ann. § 38-12-440
(A) An insurer may acquire rated credit instruments, subject to the limitation of subsection (B) of this section, as follows:
(3)
(a) Subject to the limitations of Section 38-12-430(B), but not subject to the limitations of Section 38-12-430(A), an insurer may acquire rated credit instruments, excluding asset-backed securities:
(4) Subject to the limitations of Section 38-12-430, an insurer may acquire preferred stocks that are not foreign investments and that meet the requirements of rated credit instruments if as a result of and after giving effect to the investment, the aggregate amount of preferred stocks then held by the insurer pursuant to this subsection: