Comparison of Costs & Fees in Countries with Private Defined Contribution Pension Systems

Abstract

The fees and charges imposed upon pension funds are of great interest and importance to pension supervisory authorities as they have a significant impact on the amount of retirement income delivered to individuals, particular in the case of defined contribution (DC) pension schemes. Yet administrative fees are charged for services in different ways, with the diversity of charges and the specific details involved in each case making it impossible to directly compare administrative charges nationally and internationally. This paper therefore attempts to model such charges on a unified basis to allow for a standardized international comparison, known as the charge ratio. Explanations for the difference in charge ratios between countries are then proposed.

Keywords: Charge Ratios, Defined Contribution Pension Systems, Equivalent Fees

JEL Classification: G23, G32