Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the risks associated with the investment practices of Yongkun Gold, highlighting the company's high promised returns and the subsequent inability of investors to withdraw their funds, indicating potential fraudulent activities [2][3][24]. Group 1: Investment Practices - Yongkun Gold attracted investors by offering annualized returns between 5% and 9% through gold storage and repurchase contracts [4][6]. - The company established a customer tiered return system, with higher returns for larger investments, promising returns that exceed typical gold investment yields [6][9]. - The online platform offered a "pre-order gold bar" product, which appeared to guarantee returns, allowing investors to either withdraw their principal or benefit from price increases [10][11]. Group 2: Financial Scale and Operations - Yongkun Gold has reportedly raised over 3.6 billion yuan through its pre-order gold bar sales, indicating a significant scale of operations [16]. - The company claims to have insured gold stored in a bank vault, with an insurance amount of approximately 857 million yuan and a total gold value exceeding 4.1 billion yuan [20][19]. Group 3: Regulatory and Legal Concerns - Yongkun Gold lacks the necessary qualifications to operate gold asset management services, which raises concerns about the legality of its investment practices [25][26]. - The company has been listed as operating abnormally by local authorities, indicating potential regulatory violations [25]. - Legal experts suggest that the company's practices may constitute illegal fundraising or disguised collective investment schemes, posing significant risks to investors [28][29].

Core Viewpoint - Recent reports indicate that some elderly individuals have fallen victim to fraudulent "guaranteed return" investment products promoted by online "investment masters," leading to significant financial losses. The concept of "guaranteed return" in bank wealth management products is a product of specific historical stages in China's financial market, driven by investor demand for "risk-free returns," competitive pressure among banks, and previously lax regulations [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The introduction of the "Guiding Opinions on Regulating Financial Institutions' Asset Management Business" (referred to as "Asset Management New Regulations") in 2018 marked a significant shift in the market, requiring the dismantling of rigid guarantees and the implementation of net value management [1]. - The "Asset Management New Regulations" explicitly state that financial institutions are prohibited from promising capital protection and returns in their asset management activities [1]. - The "Measures for the Administration of Wealth Management Subsidiaries of Commercial Banks" also emphasizes that wealth management products cannot guarantee returns or engage in misleading promotions such as "risk-free profits" [1]. Group 2: Investor Awareness and Risk - Investors must recognize that there are significant differences in risk and return between wealth management products and traditional deposits, with the latter typically offering capital protection and guaranteed returns [2]. - It is crucial for investors to consider their investment experience, risk tolerance, and return expectations when selecting wealth management products to better balance asset safety and value appreciation [2]. - Consumers are advised to be cautious of "high return, no risk" promotional claims and to avoid being misled by short-term high returns. Continuous attention to educational content from financial regulatory bodies and banks is recommended to enhance risk identification and fraud prevention capabilities [2].