IOPS working paper: Comparative Information Provided by Pension Supervisory Authorities

31 December 2011

This paper examines the role pension supervisory authorities can play in providing information. The way in which comparative information on costs, investment performance and comparative service data is presented by IOPS member authorities is outlined, and some lessons learnt are documented.

The provision of information on pensions is of increasing importance as pensions savings are growing and becoming an important part of the financial system, and as defined contribution pension plans, which usually involve competitive pension products and providers, are becoming more dominant. Ensuring adequate information on the pension system as a whole and on individual pension funds and providers is an essential policy objective, especially when members bear pension costs and investment risks, and are asked to make choices. In many IOPS member countries, the pension supervisory authority plays an important role as a provider of objective, comparative information, acting as a disinterested, comprehensive and authoritative source. This paper examines the role pension supervisory authorities can play in providing information. How comparative information on costs, investment performance and comparative service data is presented by IOPS member authorities is outlined and some lessons learnt suggested.

Full paper

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