Annuity Markets and Pension Reform

This 2006 book examines annuity and voluntary pension markets and suggests how these might be improved.

George A. (Sandy) Mackenzie (Author)

9780521846325, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 July 2006

264 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.489 kg

Review of the hardback: 'This well-written book deserves a place on the bookshelves of economists and especially policy advisers interested in pension reform and annuity markets.' Journal of Pension Economics and Finance

This 2006 book treats two vital public policy issues: how should distributions from individual accounts be regulated, and how can the market for private annuities function better? It provides a comprehensive survey of the issues that arise when contributors to individual accounts become eligible for distributions. It also addresses the questions of whether annuitization or other restrictions on distributions should be mandatory, and if so, can the provision of annuities be privatized? Its analytical framework is applicable to a broad range of countries. Given the diminishing importance of public pensions around the world, the growing number of the elderly, and the increasing importance of defined contribution plans, the voluntary demand for private annuities is going to grow. It is vital that annuities be reasonably priced and that the annuity market be effectively regulated. The book investigates both issues, and proposes reforms to enhance the efficiency of the annuity market.

1. The demand side of the annuity market
2. The supply side of the annuity market
3. The regulation of annuity providers
4. Experience with individual account reforms
5. Individual liberty versus security in retirement, and the government's role
6. Policy issues with both public and private sector provision of mandatory annuities
7. Policy issues with privatization of the provision of annuities
8. Conclusions and recommendations
Appendix 1. The economics and financing of annuities
Appendix 2. Aging and its impact on pension systems
Glossary.

Subject Areas: Applied mathematics [PBW], Business & management [KJ], Pensions [KFFP], Finance [KFF], Political economy [KCP], Economics, finance, business & management [K]