December 2024

Nigeria. PenCom targets 20 million contributors under micro-pension scheme

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) is targeting inclusion of over 20 million contributors in its Micro Pension Scheme as part of its plans to overhaul and expand the commission’s landscape. The commission said the overhauling of the Micro Pension Plan (MPP) was part of a broader strategy to increase financial inclusion and extend pension coverage to more Nigerians, particularly in the informal sector. The reforms, announced by the Director General, Omolara Oloworaran, during the 2024 PenCom Media Conference in Lagos on Thursday,...

German Pensioners Set For Increased Payments Amid Rising Healthcare Costs

Projected 3.5% increase may bring some relief to seniors, but rising healthcare contributions raise concerns. Millions of seniors across Germany can expect improved financial aid as the government gears up for noteworthy pension increases next year. According to recent projections, pensioners will see their benefits rise by approximately 3.5% starting from July 2025, as reported by various news outlets, including the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. This anticipated increase aligns with the yearly Rentenversicherungsbericht, which highlights the progress of the statutory pension insurance scheme...

How would a U.S. government shutdown affect Social Security pensions?

Pensions are one of the major concerns of citizens around the world. From retirement, permanent disability or even in the tragic reality of receiving a widow’s benefit for the death of a spouse. Therefore, these retributions granted by the State are, without a doubt, one of the main reasons for society to pay taxes and enjoy an income that balances its purchasing power with increases in goods and services. Therefore, in the matter of the United States, despite hopes that a funding agreement would...

Empowering the Next Generation: Adapting Hong Kong’s Workforce for Tomorrow

As we look toward the future of work in Asia, understanding the evolving dynamics of the workforce is crucial, particularly in the Hong Kong market. Mercer’s 2024 Global Talent Trends survey reveals that generational shifts, especially the influence of Gen Z, are reshaping workplace expectations and strategies. With a strong emphasis on flexible work arrangements, well-being, and technological engagement, companies in Hong Kong must adapt to meet the needs of this emerging workforce. By fostering a work environment that aligns with...

Nigeria. PenCom to remodel micro-pension scheme – DG

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, has revealed that the micro pension scheme would be remodelled to boost participation. Oloworaran said this on Thursday at the 2024 PenCom Media Conference held in Lagos. Micro pensions are specifically designed for individuals in the informal sectors. She said, “What we are doing with a micro pension is treating it a little differently from how we were doing it before. As we know, the micro pension doesn’t resonate with everyone within the...

Pensioners of Radio Pakistan in Gilgit-Baltistan demand overdue benefits

Last week, a determined group of retired employees from Radio Pakistan marched through the streets of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), voicing their frustrations over delayed retirement benefits and pensions that remain unpaid despite years of service. The demonstrators, a coalition of former staff who dedicated decades of their lives to the national broadcaster, gathered to demand immediate action from the government, shedding light on the financial hardships they currently face. Organised by a committed faction of people who have retired, the lively...

2024 is a record year for ETFs in Latin America, especially among pension funds

According to a report by ETFGI, this year will be historic for the global ETF sector. By the end of August, the industry reached a new all-time high of $13.99 billion in assets under management, surpassing the previous record of $13.61 billion. In the emerging markets of Latin America, the trend is similar, driven by increased liquidity in the region. This is particularly evident among the largest pension funds, whose managers have long used ETFs as one of their preferred...

UK Government denies compensation to Waspi women

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended the decision to reject compensation for women hit by changes to the state pension age, arguing that the taxpayer "simply can't afford the tens of billions of pounds" in payments. He added that "90% of those impacted knew about the changes that were taking place". However, during Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir was repeatedly pressed on the government's decision, with one MP calling for a vote. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign group say that...

US Pension Plans Set to Increase Contributions in 2025

Approximately 58% of pension funds in the U.S.—including public, corporate and multi-employer plans—reported that their funded status increased in 2024, according to a survey of pension fund professionals commissioned by Ortec Finance. Approximately 30% of plans reported that their funding status is unchanged, while 12% said their funding status decreased this year. While funded status is generally increasing, more than two-thirds (68%) of respondents said they will or are likely to increase contributions this year. According to Ortec Finance, of the...

US. Indiana to Replace BlackRock in Pension Funds Due to ESG Investing Policies

The Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) voted to replace BlackRock as a manager in its portfolio, due to the investment giant’s alleged use of ESG investment policies and its engagement using “an ESG focused agenda.” In a press release from Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott, who also serves as a member of the INPRS Board of Trustees, Elliott said lauded the board’s decision to remove BlackRock, describing the firm as an “ESG violator.” Elliott said: “Today, I and other INPRS board members...