Ponzi Schemes in the Caribbean

Ana Carvajal, Hunter K. Monroe, Brian Wynter and Catherine A. Pattillo

No 09/95, IMF Working Papers from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: In several Caribbean states, unregulated investment schemes grew quickly in recent years by claiming unusually high monthly returns and through a system of referrals by existing members. These are features shared with traditional Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes. This paper describes the growth of such schemes, their subsequent collapse, and the policy response of regulators, and presents key policy lessons. The analysis and recommendations draw on country experiences in the Caribbean, and in such diverse countries as the United States, Colombia, Lesotho, and Albania.

Keywords: Private investment; Caribbean; Capital markets; Securities markets; Nonbank financial sector; Capital flows; Income; Securities regulations; Cross country analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: Written
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