NEW YORK (Sept. 3, 2025) —The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has added a new chapter to its Digital Assets Practice Aid that gives practitioners practical guidance for auditing lending and borrowing transactions of digital assets.
The update reflects the rapid growth of crypto markets and the need for auditors to address the risks that come with them. The new guidance offers real-world examples of audit procedures that can help identify and respond to potential misstatements in financial reporting involving these type of digital asset transactions.
The chapter walks through two common scenarios:
When a borrower of a crypto intangible asset is not required to post collateral; and
when a borrower is required to post collateral.
For each case, the practice aid provides sample audit procedures from both the lender’s perspective and the borrower’s perspective, giving auditors practical strategies they can apply to their own engagements.
The new chapter provides sample audit procedures for crypto lending and borrowing, some similar to those for traditional lending. They are not exhaustive, and auditors may need to adapt or combine procedures to gather sufficient, reliable evidence in line with AU-C section 500, Audit Evidence, and other applicable standards.
“Auditing crypto lending and borrowing transactions can be complicated, and until now auditors have operated with a minimal amount of clear guidance,” said Di Krupica, senior manager, digital assets, assurance and advisory innovation at the AICPA. “This new resource is designed to make it easier for auditors to do their jobs effectively and help promote transparency for investors, companies, and the broader public.”
The new chapter is part of the AICPA’s ongoing effort to keep accounting professionals ahead of emerging technologies and market trends.
The updated Digital Assets Practice Aid is now available for members to download from the AICPA website.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
Ranica Arrowsmith
Ranica.Arrowsmith@aicpa-cima.com
(212) 596-6117