Good communication with members will be “increasingly central” in the coming years as the Dutch pension reform is undertaken, the Dutch Federation of Pension Funds (Pensioenfederatie) chairman, Ger Jaarsma, has said.

Speaking on the BNR radio programme Zakendoen, on Monday, 28 July, Jaarsma spoke about a wide range of topics relating to pensions in the Netherlands.

On communication, he noted that pension funds are spending more and more time and money in this area.

Jaarsma explained that Pensioenfederatie also works with social media influencers as part of its young adults campaign to ensure this age group is reached. He said that long-term research shows that an increasing number of people are aware that pensions are a relevant issue for them too.

Regarding the reform of the Dutch pension system, Jaarsma explained to listeners where the pensions industry stands in terms of the transition and what's to come.

He explained how pension funds still have much work to do, but it is “not that exciting for participants because not so much is changing for them”.

He also gave his views on the state pension in the Netherlands (AOW), which he stressed is the “main source of income” for many pensioners and lowering it is not possible.

However, Jaarsma foresees many political discussions about other possible affordability solutions, such as raising the retirement age and/or the state pension premium.

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