CPF maintains A grade in global ranking of pension systems for second year; overall score goes up
The index also examined how rising life expectancies impact 55 retirement income systems globally.
Singapore's Central Provident Fund (CPF) has maintained its top A rating for two consecutive years in the Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index. The index, which evaluates 55 retirement income systems worldwide, has seen an overall score increase from 80.8 to 82 points. Australia also earned an A rating this year, marking the Asia-Pacific region's first two pension systems with this top grade.
Other countries with A-rated systems include the Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland, and Israel. An A rating signifies a first-class retirement income system that is robust, sustainable, offers good benefits, and maintains a high level of integrity. The index, which has been jointly developed by Marsh and the CFA Institute since 2008, examines the impact of demographic changes such as falling birth rates and rising life expectancies.
Singapore's Adequacy sub-index, which measures the level of income available at retirement and at age 80, has improved from 79.4 to 82.8. However, the Sustainability sub-index score has slightly decreased from 75.5 to 75.3, reflecting concerns about long-term pension system viability as populations age. Singapore's CPF, which is fully funded by employee and employer contributions, offers pensioners flexibility in deciding when to start receiving their monthly payouts, with a potential 35% increase in benefits if retirees defer payouts until age 70.
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