Policy Options for the Payout Phase

Abstract:     
This paper assesses how countries' pension arrangements and regulation shape the appropriate structure and flexibility of retirement payout options. The paper aims at providing a guide to policy makers on how to address the diverse questions posed when designing the payout phase or promoting DC pension arrangements, as well as encouraging a market for annuities. The paper addresses questions concerning the type of retirement payout options for accumulated assets in DC plans a country should allow, which entities should provide annuities, and the type of annuity products that could be allowed. The main recommendation is for policy makers to consider mandating deferred life annuities that start paying at very old ages (e.g. at age 85) and allow for the remaining assets accumulated in DC accounts to be allocated as programmed withdrawals (preferably with flexibility to face contingencies).

Keywords: Annuities, programmed withdrawal, lump-sums, retirement income, annuity providers, insurance companies, annuity markets, longevity risk, and deferred life annuities

JEL Classifications: D11, D14, D91, E21, G11, G38, J14, J26

Working Paper Series