Clarity on Pensions

Act wisely. Decide boldly.

Retirement pensions are of an extremely high social relevance. There is however a significant brake on reform that constitutes an increasing problem.

With this publication, we wish to address this topic from various angles and thus make a solid contribution to the discussion on the evolution of the Swiss pension system.

Besides the overarching topic of the retirement pensions’ reform, we also explain how sustainability is integrated in asset investment, where the digitalization process stands in the world of pensions and how pensions can suddenly become an issue in the context of a transaction.

Let yourselves be inspired by our thoughts and take part in the discussion on sustainable retirement pensions which the next generations can also be proud of.

Learn more about the main aspects related to retirement pensions.

Clarity on Pensions

Clarity on Pensions

Décider avec intelligence. Agir avec audace.

Set today the foundations for tomorrow

Erich Meier, Head of KPMG’s Pension Competence Center, explains the main issues pertaining to retirement pensions, the reform proposals that have been made to date as well as potential solutions in order to put an end to the brake on reform.

Development

Political interests often stand in the way

Why is it so difficult to develop viable solutions for the future? In a discussion with Ruth Humbel, National Councilor (CVP) and chairwoman of the Social Security and Health Committees, we examine the possibilities in relation with the evolution of our pension system.

Sustainability

Orientation on sustainability is necessary

How should pension institutions address and implement sustainability aspects? The call for an active participation of pension funds in the climate-friendly orientation of asset investment is becoming louder.

Digitalization

Automation in the world of pensions

What does digitalization in pension institutions mean? A survey carried out among digitalization project managers shows the current situation in occupational pensions as well as the future evolution.

The Swiss retirement pension system

The Swiss retirement pension system is based on the three-pillar principle. The 1st pillar corresponds to the old-age and survivors insurance (AHV), the 2nd pillar to the occupational benefits (pension fund) and the 3rd pillar to voluntary personal pension planning.

Old-age and survivors insurance (AHV) Old-age and survivors insurance (AHV)

The AHV aims to secure an appropriate standard of living and is compulsory. This includes the disability insurance (IV), the compensation for loss of earnings during service (EO) and in case of maternity as well as the unemployment insurance (ALV).

Pension fund Pension fund

All employees who are insured within the 1st pillar and earn at least CHF 21'330 per year (status: 2020) are insured. The compulsory insurance starts at the beginning of the employment relationship, but at the earliest from the age of 17.

Your key contacts

Erich Meier

Partner, Head of KPMG’s Pension Fund Competence Center

KPMG Switzerland

Graham Middleton

Partner, Head of Pensions

KPMG Switzerland

Ulrich Prien

Partner, Deal Advisory, Sector Head Real Estate

KPMG Switzerland

Patrick Schmucki

Director, Financial Services, Corporate Responsibility Officer

KPMG Switzerland

Andreas Schneider

Director, Audit Bern

KPMG Switzerland

Auditing Occupational Benefits Institutions

We assist governing bodies in recipient-oriented reporting, process, and control optimization.

 Auditing Occupational Benefits Institutions (BVG)