A-grade
Iceland (#1), Netherlands (#2) and Denmark (#3) have the best overall retirement income systems, each receiving an A-grade in the 2021 rankings. Where does your location rank?
Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2021
Strengths and weaknesses of global pension systems in challenging times.
A global ranking and analysis.
Global Pension Systems Rankings 2021: results announced
The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2021 benchmarks 43 retirement income systems around the world, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. In 2021, new entrant Iceland is named as having the world’s best pension system overall. However, as the world continues to grapple with the economic implications of the pandemic and its ongoing health crisis, the study also reveals factors causing the gender pension gap around the world. It’s critical that policymakers and governments reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of their systems to deliver better long-term outcomes for future retirees.
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5.1 billion people
Representing more than 65 per cent of the world’s population (or 5.1 billion people) the study benchmarks 43 retirement income systems. Read more about pension reform in challenging times.
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50% gender pension gap
The study highlights four retirement systems with a gender pension gap of almost 50 per cent. Discover more about gender differences in pension outcomes.
Examining the strengths and weaknesses of pension systems with the purpose of delivering better retirement benefits to every individual has never been more urgent.
CFA, President and CEO at CFA Institute
Download the Global Pension Index 2021
Global Pension Index 2021
Read the full report for all global rankings and analysis. Find out what makes a world-class retirement system.
Report Highlights
Short on time? The five page report summary will take you through the high level highlights and findings.
Gender Pension Gap Report
Discover the gender differences in pension outcomes. A deep-dive worthy of investigation and understanding.
Comprehensive pension systems analysis
The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index uses three sub-indices – adequacy, sustainability and integrity – to measure each retirement income system against more than 50 indicators. The Index is published by Mercer, in collaboration with CFA Institute and the Monash Centre for Financial Studies.
An overview of retirement income systems included in the Global Pension Index 2021
Pension system (and overall index value): Argentina (41.5), Australia (75.0), Austria (53.0), Belgium (64.5), Brazil (54.7), Canada (69.8), Chile (67.0), China (55.1), Colombia (58.4), Denmark (82.0), Finland (73.3), France (60.5), Germany (67.9), Hong Kong SAR (61.8), Iceland (84.2), India (43.3), Indonesia (50.4), Ireland (68.3), Israel (77.1), Italy (53.4), Japan (49.8), Korea (48.3), Malaysia (59.6), Mexico (49.0), Netherlands (83.5), New Zealand (67.4), Norway (75.2), Peru (55.0), Philippines (42.7), Poland (55.2), Saudi Arabia (58.1), Singapore (70.7), South Africa (53.6), Spain (58.6), Sweden (72.9), Switzerland (70.0), Taiwan (51.8), Thailand (40.6), Turkey (45.8), United Arab Emirates (59.6), United Kingdom (71.6), Uruguay (60.7), United States of America (61.4).
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