Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 May 2018
This paper summarizes recent developments in Dutch occupational pensions of both the defined contribution and defined benefit (DB) types. A reform of DB schemes is discussed that introduces financial assets as individual entitlements. At the same time, the reformed schemes derive (dis)saving, financial risk management and insurance decisions from the explicit objective of adequate and stable lifelong retirement income. The proposed system also involves an insurance contract pooling longevity risks and possibly collective buffers that share systematic risks with future pension savers. The paper identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the Dutch contract design and draws lessons for other countries.
We thank Dirk Broeders, Kees Goudswaard, Marike Knoef, Ralph Koijen, Michael Preisel, and Bas Werker for helpful comments on an earlier draft.