The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies – helping to shape better policies for better lives.
OECD
PENSIONS OUTLOOK 2026
Governments need to make greater use of asset-backed pensions to support retirement incomes
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Pension fund assets reached USD 78 trillion at the end of 2025, equivalent to 106% of OECD GDP. Despite the notable increase from just 62% in 2001, individuals may not be saving enough to secure adequate retirement income.
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Pension assets continued to grow in 2025, driven by higher contributions and positive investment returns
Pension assets grew in 36 out of 38 OECD countries in 2025. On aggregate, they grew by 11.3%, sustaining the long‑term trend of the last two decades, and reached USD 78 trillion at end‑2025 (including USD 7.3 trillion in reserves of public pay‑as‑you‑go schemes). This expansion was driven primarily by higher contributions, positive investment returns and relatively low pension benefit payments in many countries. Growth is expected to continue, especially in countries that have introduced measures to increase participation in a pension plan, raise contribution levels or shift pension assets towards less conservative investment strategies.
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About the OECD
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies – helping to shape better policies for better lives.