Which of the following criteria is applicable with respect to determining when a variable interest entity (VIE) must be consolidated into the sponsoring firm's financial statements?

A) A consolidation must occur if the firm has a controlling financial interest and is the VIE's primary beneficiary

B) A consolidation must occur if the firm's is entitled to receive all of the VIE's residual returns

C) A consolidation must occur regardless of the risk of loss exposure

D) A consolidation must occur if the sponsoring firm owns more than 50% of the VIE's equity