Netherlands Tops 2026 Global Pension Index
The Netherlands retained the top spot in the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index, ahead of Denmark and Iceland.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Retirement Planning
Live Poll
Do you trust your country's pension system to support you in retirement?
The Netherlands scored 85.8 points to remain the highest-ranked pension system in the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index. Denmark scored 84.1 and Iceland scored 84.0, while the study assessed 55 retirement systems worldwide.
Why it matters
The index evaluates pension adequacy, sustainability, and integrity, giving a comparative benchmark for how countries are preparing for ageing populations and longer retirements. The report recommends broader coverage, stronger funding, and improved governance.
The index is a composite annual assessment covering approximately 66% of the world's population, with pension adequacy weighted at 40%, sustainability at 35%, and integrity at 25%. Singapore, Israel, and Australia each received the highest A grade, while the Netherlands led with 85.8 points.
The players
Marsh CFA Institute
Marsh CFA Institute is the organization that publishes the Global Pension Index, which benchmarks retirement systems across dozens of countries.
The details
The study assessed 55 retirement systems worldwide using more than 50 indicators across adequacy, sustainability, and integrity. Singapore, Israel, and Australia received the highest A grade in the 2026 ranking.
Timeline
2026: Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index ranking released.
Roadmap
The Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index is an annual benchmark that tracks how retirement systems across 55 countries balance adequacy, sustainability, and integrity. The 2026 edition shows the Netherlands, Denmark and Iceland still leading, while the report urges broader coverage and stronger funding for ageing populations.
The index highlights that broader pension coverage, stronger funding and better governance are the levers countries are being urged to pull. For individuals, these benchmarks signal which retirement frameworks are considered most adequate and sustainable when planning long-term savings.
The takeaway
Countries with the strongest pension systems combine adequate benefits, long-term funding and sound governance. Readers can use these criteria to evaluate how well their own retirement savings are positioned for longer lifespans.
Further reading
For broader context on how these systems compare to personal savings strategies, explore Retirement Planning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Portugal News.
Live Poll
Do you trust your country's pension system to support you in retirement?
