Definition ∞ An investment scheme is a structured plan or arrangement for allocating capital with the expectation of generating financial gains. Such schemes can be legitimate, offering various financial products, or illicit, involving deceptive practices to defraud investors. Understanding the underlying structure is vital for evaluating its validity.
Context ∞ The cryptocurrency landscape presents a wide array of investment schemes, from regulated funds to speculative ventures and outright fraudulent operations. News coverage often distinguishes between legitimate opportunities, such as staking or liquidity provision, and deceptive practices like pump-and-dump schemes. Regulatory bodies worldwide are working to define and regulate these various structures to protect consumers and uphold market integrity.