Demographic developments are unfavourable for the financing of pension schemes in most OECD countries, implying continued growth in pension expenditure in virtually all OECD countries. This paper examines the vulnerability of pension systems, with an emphasis on financial sustainability and adequacy.

Colombia is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. The high level of informality in the labour market and many characteristics of the pension system leave many elderly in poverty. Only formal-sector employees earning more than the relatively high minimum wage are covered.

The current low interest rate environment poses a significant risk for the long-term financial viability of pension funds and insurance companies, as they seek to generate sufficient returns to meet promises, according to a new OECD report.

Israel is a young country with still dynamic population growth, but it is already beginning to face the consequences of population ageing.

Brazil’s old-age pensions have reduced old-age poverty below OECD levels, but pension expenditures of 8.2% of GDP are expected to rise rapidly as the population ages. A pension reform is necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of the system.

Pensions have been successful in reducing old-age poverty well below the population-wide average, and below the OECD average. At present, all pension recipients – and this includes around 90% of those aged 65 and above – receive at least the minimum wage, which is more than 5 times as much as the poverty line of BRL 170 (equivalent to USD 55).

Israel disability pension note July 2017

Thailand has made remarkable socio-economic progress over the past several decades. Poverty has plummeted and access to education and health services has become near universal.

Brazil’s old-age pensions have reduced old-age poverty below OECD levels, but pension expenditures of 8.2% of GDP are expected to rise rapidly as the population ages. A pension reform is necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of the system.

Recent reforms have made pension systems more financially sustainable and pensioners have higher living standards than ever before. But future generations are likely to find their pension entitlements much less generous than today’s and many may face a serious risk of pensioner poverty, according to a new OECD report.

Women’s representation in parliaments remains a global issue. In 2016, women constituted 23% of parliamentarians over both upper and lower houses combined, with the Pacific, Arab States and Asia having the lowest representation (16.4%, 18.2%, and 19.2% respectively).

15 September 2017 - A complaint submitted in 2015 by former workers of Heineken’s subsidiary Bralima in the Democratic Republic of Congo was successfully resolved recently. This article by Roel Nieuwenkamp explains the circumstances and why this agreement is being hailed as historic.

Unemployment rate soars to 14.7% as 20.5m people lose jobs in April

Your question for our expert — and readers’ advice

Protesters urge overhaul of system once lauded as the ‘Mercedes-Benz’ of retirement provision

Proposal successfully passes committee stages on the way to plenary vote

Social security overhaul is key part of plan to rein in budget deficit

In this special episode from Hong Kong, Gideon Rachman talks to Regina Ip, a member of the territory's Executive Council and Legislative Council, and to student activist Joshua Wong about the continuing protests and what happens next.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Subsidies and freebies to retain cash-strapped users add to sector’s financial burden

UN official warns that war-ravaged country cannot deal with an outbreak of the disease

Pandemic stopped protests in Iraq, Algeria and Lebanon, but crisis likely to fuel fresh wave of unrest

Millions have used a government website to check their state pension, only to find they have missing years of National Insurance contributions. 

Presenter Claer Barrett and guests discuss what can be done, plus experts debate the future for inheritance tax and whether the cap on high cost credit should be extended. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's financial planning week and this year's theme is retirement planning. As part of the initiative, thousands of certified planners are offering a free hour-long session to people wanting help with setting their financial goals. FT Money deputy editor James Pickford talks to the FT's pensions correspondent about retirement planning. Plus we hear from Jackie Lockie, head of financial planning with the CISI, and Patrick Connolly of Chase de Vere, about how best to plan for retirement.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever counted how many online accounts you have? Do you listen to music on Spotify, upload your pictures to the cloud or hold your savings in an online bank account? If the answer is yes to any of these questions you should consider what happens to these assets when you die. On this week's FT Money show presenter Lucy Warwick-Ching delves into the world of digital legacies - from Facebook to cryptocurrencies. She talks to Angharad Lynn of VWV, James Norris of the Digital Legacy Association and Ian Bond of the Law Society about the rise of digital wills and end of life planning companies.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The general election and your finances - with a week to go, what changes could the major parties bring in? Presenter Claer Barrett talks to Rachael Griffin, a tax expert at Quilter, about the pledges. Next up on the show if you're self employed, have you got a pension? A third of self-employed women say they are saving nothing into a pension. Blogger Emma Maslin, better known as the Money Whisperer, has lots to say on this topic. And finally - they might say it's vulgar to talk about money, but James Max, our Rich People's Problems columnist is here to explain why he loves cash.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The well-advised wealthy are worrying that pensions benefits could be cut. FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett asks the FT's pensions expert for the details. Next up we discuss whether it's better to invest in buy to let or a holiday let? And if you're thinking of buying a new car you might change your mind about how you finance it after you listen to this podcast. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Could your stock picking skills beat the market this year? In this week's FT Money Show podcast presenter Claer Barrett talks to FT Markets reporter Robert Smith about the results of our 2019 contest between readers and FT journalists. Plus we give you details of how to enter this year's competition. Next up, January's nearly over but you still have another 11 months to make good on your New Year's resolutions. If you had resolved to get a pay rise or sort out your pension this year, keep listening as help is at hand. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you been mis-sold pensions advice? FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett talks to the FT's pensions expert Josephine Cumbo about the suitability of financial advice in relation to retirement planning. Next up on the show we discuss how the new bank overdraft rules could affect you. And finally, does your financial adviser speak your language? FT columnist Moira O'Neill has spoken out against the widespread use of Latin terms in the investment world - should it be allowed to continue ad infinitum?   

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is time running out for pensions tax relief? Chancellor Sajid Javid is reported to be considering a major shake-up of pensions at the Budget in a months time. The FT's pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo talks to FT Money editor Claer Barrett about what form this could take. Next up, we debate the value of the Winter Fuel Allowance for wealthy pensioners. And finally, our resident property guru James Pickford on how the next property cycle could turn out. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join our campaign for clear pension charges - FT Money has been exploring the impossibility of comparing the costs of drawdown plans. The FT is calling on the pensions and advise industry to be transparent about charges to help people to shop around. In this week's show, FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett interviews o the FT's pensions expert about our campaign. Next up, the spread of the coronavirus has given world stock markets a nasty turn - FT Moneys' new investment reporter, Madison Darbyshire, talks about how investors are reacting. And finally, to cheer listeners up a bit - James Max, our Rich People's Problems columnist is here to discuss a burning issue - the government's proposed ban on coal fires. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Could Isas overtake pensions as the UK's tax-saving vehicle of choice? The tax benefits of pensions have been steadily eroded over the past decade but at the same time, Isas have been coming into their own. Most people approaching retirement today will rely on a combination of pensions and Isa income. In this week's show, FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett takes a break from covering the coronavirus and what it means for your money, and interviews the FT's Money Mentor columnist about why investors like Isas so much and how these investments compare to pensions. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Claer Barrett and Daniel Thomas hear readers’ experiences of accessing job retention scheme 

Better education about retirement benefits is crucial at any age

Big reforms are needed to tackle substantial problems well beyond the cost 

New chancellor Rishi Sunak would be wise to avoid slashing pension perks 

But why didn’t the chancellor go the whole hog and scrap the tax taper altogether?

We have seen a historic day for British politics as the Supreme Court ruled that Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament for five weeks was unlawful. Siona Jenkins discusses what the ruling means for Brexit, for the prime minister, and for British democracy, with Jane Croft, law courts correspondent, and Neil Buckley, leader writer. 

Contributors: Siona Jenkins, news editor, Jane Croft, law courts correspondent and Neil Buckley, leader writer. Producer: Fiona Symon and Persis Love

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Around the world a pensions crisis is looming. Retirees are having their pensions cuts while governments and fund managers look for new strategies. Josephine Cumbo, pensions correspondent and Robin Wigglesworth, global finance correspondent tell Claer Barrett why pension funds are investing in riskier assets and what this means for the future of retirement.

Contributors: Claer Barrett, personal finance editor, Josephine Cumbo, pensions correspondent and Robin Wigglesworth, global finance correspondent. Producer: Persis Love

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It is right for the Fed to lead America towards faster and more efficient bank payments

Return of dispersion comes after years of similar returns across sectors

Former pensions minister says the crisis means greater flexibility is needed 

Sector across region hit by fears of panicked mass withdrawals due to pandemic

Provider cites coronavirus market turmoil for uncertainty over valuations

Retirement plans have suffered tumbling asset values and ballooning liabilities

Market volatility has temporarily halted the £80bn final salary transfer market, yet there is increased desire to cash in 

Join a live discussion with FT’s pensions correspondent Josephine Cumbo at 12pm and 5pm UK time on Wednesday April 22 

The Pensions Regulator and former minister Sir Steve Webb take part in online debate 

Judicial review sought over alleged breach of 2015 law, claiming cost benefits should go to scheme members

FT survey estimates that 1 in 10 employers with defined benefit schemes may look to suspend payments

How will your retirement finances change BC and AC — before and after coronavirus?