Evolving roles for pension regulations; towards better risk control?

Abstract

A key trend in pension regulation is an increasing focus on protection of beneficiaries against various forms of risk. Underlying forces include the ongoing shift from defined benefit to defined contribution pensions, the turbulence in financial markets, and the role of accounting standards and transparency. We contend that whereas the enhanced focus on risk has by and large been beneficial, a number of the developments in regulation have been counter to benefits security, while some outstanding risks remain largely beyond the scope of regulation, such as those arising from lack of consumer education, the role of longevity risk and procyclical investment.