Strengths and weaknesses of global pension systems in challenging times.
A global ranking and analysis.
The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2021 benchmarks 43 retirement income systems around the world, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. In 2021, new entrant Iceland is named as having the world’s best pension system overall. However, as the world continues to grapple with the economic implications of the pandemic and its ongoing health crisis, the study also reveals factors causing the gender pension gap around the world. It’s critical that policymakers and governments reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their systems to deliver better long-term outcomes for future retirees.
Margaret Franklin, CFA, President and CEO at CFA Institute
Read the full report for all global rankings and analysis. Find out what makes a world-class retirement system.
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Short on time? The five page report summary will take you through the high level highlights and findings.
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Discover the gender differences in pension outcomes. A deep-dive worthy of investigation and understanding.
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The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index uses three sub-indices – adequacy, sustainability and integrity – to measure each retirement income system against more than 50 indicators. The Index is published by Mercer, in collaboration with CFA Institute and the Monash Centre for Financial Studies.
What do you get?
#1 Iceland (82.7)
#2 Netherlands (82.3)
#3 Norway (81.2)
Can it keep delivering?
#1 Iceland (84.6)
#2 Denmark (83.5)
#3 Netherlands (81.6)
Can it be trusted?
#1 Finland (93.1)
#2 Norway (90.2)
#3 Netherlands (87.9)
Pension system (and overall index value): Argentina (41.5), Australia (75.0), Austria (53.0), Belgium (64.5), Brazil (54.7), Canada (69.8), Chile (67.0), China (55.1), Colombia (58.4), Denmark (82.0), Finland (73.3), France (60.5), Germany (67.9), Hong Kong SAR (61.8), Iceland (84.2), India (43.3), Indonesia (50.4), Ireland (68.3), Israel (77.1), Italy (53.4), Japan (49.8), Korea (48.3), Malaysia (59.6), Mexico (49.0), Netherlands (83.5), New Zealand (67.4), Norway (75.2), Peru (55.0), Philippines (42.7), Poland (55.2), Saudi Arabia (58.1), Singapore (70.7), South Africa (53.6), Spain (58.6), Sweden (72.9), Switzerland (70.0), Taiwan (51.8), Thailand (40.6), Turkey (45.8), United Arab Emirates (59.6), United Kingdom (71.6), Uruguay (60.7), United States of America (61.4).