April 2025

Investments in education can reduce the pension burden

Education investments can ease pressure on pension system: A study by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research shows that investing in education can offset the effects of low birth rates on the pension system. Better education, higher productivity: Education increases workforce productivity and helps compensate for a smaller labor force. This reduces the burden on pensions. Investment pays off: Higher investment in education not only extends the number of working years, but also boosts pension income and life expectancy. A recently...

South Korea. Low birth rate’s far-reaching impact: Sustainability of teacher pensions under threat

The impact of South Korea’s demographic crisis is far-reaching, with one lesser-known consequence being the threat to the sustainability of the teachers' pension system. As the school-age population shrinks and schools close, teachers are losing their jobs and becoming legally eligible for pension payouts much earlier than expected — sometimes as early as their 30s. According to data released by the National Assembly Budget Office, 410 pension recipients became eligible prematurely due to school closures as of 2024. Among them, individuals...

Spanish pension system’s sustainability ‘not improved’ after reforms say Airef

The Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility (Airef) has criticized the methods used by Social Security to balance its calculations and has warned about the lack of sustainability of pensions, which ‘has not improved after the reforms,’ pointed out Airef President Cristina Herrero, who noted that ‘the dynamics of pensions are now worse than before’ the reforms promoted by former Social Security Minister José Luis Escrivá, which included revaluation with inflation and an increase in contributions. The agency warns that sustainability...

March 2025

Public pensions reforms: financial and political sustainability

By Julián Díaz Saavedra One main reason for the unsustainability of future pensions in many European countries is a failure to adapt to very long-term demographic trends. Also, a reform to address financing issues can also be an occasion to improve pension design. Sometimes, however, such pension reforms are likely to be overturned when they lead to significant short-term losses in retirement income. We use an overlapping generations economy with incomplete insurance markets to show that, with an appropriate design,...

Oman. Early retirement poses risk to pension fund sustainability: SPF CEO

Early retirement remains a major challenge to the sustainability of pension funds in Oman and the Gulf region, according to Dr Faisal bin Abdullah al Farsi, CEO of Social Protection Fund (SPF). He also said that extended provision of job security benefits is straining the fund’s reserves. Speaking at the inaugural session of Communication Dialogue, organised by Government Communication Centre, Farsi emphasised the need for reforms to ensure long-term financial stability. He noted that early retirement is a system unique...

January 2025

Challenges Related to Aging Population

By Drishti The Vision Foundation The Supreme Court of India refused to entertain a writ petition that sought the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for senior citizens. The writ petition referred to senior citizens (population ageing) as a vulnerable class that deserves special attention under Article 21 of the Constitution, which ensures the right to a dignified life. Source Drishtiias

Pension crises ‘will start to bite’ over next decade, WEF risk report finds

Pension crises “will start to bite” over the next decade in super-ageing societies, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025. Super-ageing societies feature as a key theme in this year’s edition, which is linked to risks such as inequality and societal polarisation. A super-ageing society is when over 20 per cent of a country’s population is over 65 years old. Several countries have already exceeded that mark, such as Japan, Italy and Germany. However, many more countries across...

October 2024

BlackRock’s Fink says U.S. needs to discuss retirement system issues, national debt

The two biggest issues facing the U.S. that don’t get discussed enough are the nation’s retirement system and mounting federal government debt, according to BlackRock Chair and CEO Larry Fink. Millions of Americans don’t have retirement savings and are frightened that they won’t be able to save enough to retire with dignity, Fink said Oct. 21 at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s annual meeting in New York. "We as a country refuse to talk about, 'Do we have the adequate...

China state pension recoups losses, posts positive return in 2023

China’s national pension fund reversed its 2022 losses, achieving a 1% investment return in 2023 despite a domestic market downturn, thanks to a diversified portfolio. Though it ranked as the worst annual performer among state-owned investors globally, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) maintained robust long-term investment performance, with a 10-year average annual return of 6.4%, standing out among Asian peers. In 2023, the national pension fund recorded an investment return of Rmb25 billion ($3.5 billion), or 0.96%, including a realised...

Can today’s pensions survive tomorrow’s longer lifespans?

The 2024 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI) reveals the ongoing need for retirement system improvements globally, driven by declining birth rates and increasing longevity. The 16th annual report, released by Mercer, a business of Marsh McLennan, and the CFA Institute, highlights how pension systems are adapting. The Netherlands remains the top-performing retirement income system worldwide, with Iceland in second place and Denmark in third. Pat Tomlinson, Mercer’s president and CEO, emphasized the growing importance of retirement income systems as...