While the bulletin was intended to provide clarity regarding the accounting treatment for digital assets, it has been criticized by both lawmakers and regulators. Two United States lawmakers have criticized crypto accounting guidelines outlined by the national securities regulator, arguing they place crypto customers at greater risk of loss. The guidelines came from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective in April last year. The guidelines ask financial companies holding crypto for customers to recognize all digital assets they do not control as a liability. They also state that digital assets should be backed by a safeguarding asset.