Top 10

These are the top ten most read articles on PensionReforms.

Savings in the Absence of Functioning Property Rights
What to do about public policy on pensions if formal property rights don't really exist? The usual prescriptions shouldn't apply so building on traditional ways of looking after the old is at least part of the answer. Fixing the legal system should also be part of the solution and not just for retirement incomes. more

Macroeconomic Effects of Pension Reform in Chile
This 20 year review of Chile's pension arrangements identifies its achievements and quantifies its contribution to key economic indicators. However, looking at the past doesn't mean it should be the future. more

A Synopsis of Theory, Evidence and Recent Treasury Analysis on Saving
The radical extensions to KiwiSaver by the New Zealand government's 2007 Budget on the eve of its 1 July 2007 start date have raised the issue of whether governments really can change behaviour to increase either total individual or national saving. This carefully worded officials' commentary implies not, or not much. more

Are Kiwis saving enough for retirement? Preliminary evidence from SOFIE
For the last 20 years, New Zealand has had a two-pillar retirement income system - an elegant, universal, PAYG state pension plus voluntary saving. There have been no tax incentives or compulsion for the second pillar of private provision. So, how have New Zealanders responded? Apparently, mostly quite rationally. So what's the problem? more

How does the New Zealand retirement savings environment rank? or, Is KiwiSaver a world leader?
New Zealand's KiwiSaver is the world's first national, auto-enrolment, retirement savings scheme (starting 2007). The UK also proposes such a scheme - similar but different. Which is likely to be more successful? Does either country need one at all? more

Pension Markets In Focus - October 2006, Issue 3
The OECD has produced its annual snapshot of the pension asset position of its members (and selected others). Nearly all have more than in 2004. More pension assets seem, without explanation, to be better than fewer. more

Social security reform: Does partial privatization make sense for China?
In the pantheon of PensionReforms' universe, China is the big one. Its size eclipses all others - its pension problems are no smaller and are likely to worsen. Recent moves to partially 'privatise' pensions seem headed down the wrong track. There are other, simpler, more appropriate ways of addressing the issues. more

Tackling Poverty in Old Age: A universal pension for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can afford a universal pension despite its relative poverty and undeveloped financial framework. The State Pension Age and annual pension are the key variables. The same logic applies to rich and poor countries alike. more

Old-Age Income Support in the 21st Century - the World Bank's Perspective
The World Bank's pension specialists have re-visited the Bank's 1994 "three pillar" model and come up with five pillars. There are some obvious and curious gaps more

The Australian Approach to Retirement Income Provision
Australia's retirement income environment is complex during both the accumulation and retirement phases. Complexity necessarily accompanies compulsory private saving and there are gaps that seemingly need fixing. Whether it is 'successful' has a number of possible answers. more