Trends in the Architecture of the Most Sustainable Multi-tier Pension Systems

Abstract

The article presents a study of the unfunded (distributive) and funded (accumulative) components in multi-level pension systems in different countries around the world. The existing foreign practices of building pension systems are reviewed. It is proved that high sustainability indicators are achieved in those countries where a combination of the unfunded and funded components is used. The relevance of the topic is conditioned by the accrued problems in the pension sector, largely associated with the aging of the population and low birth rate. To conduct the study, the authors turned to countries with multi-tier, most stable pension systems, such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Finland and Latvia. As a result, a number of features of the pension systems under consideration were identified. Within the state level of pension systems, the amount of payments depends on various criteria and conditions, the use of which is aimed at making payments more targeted. In countries where occupational pension schemes are developed, participation in them is mandatory for employees and employers. At the same time, voluntary pension schemes are used much less frequently by the population of the countries under study.

Keywords

• pension systems
• professional pension plans
• voluntary pension schemes
• state pensions
• funded pensions