Germany: Pensions and Investment News and Analysis
There has been much talk and little progress in German occupational pensions in recent years – certainly when it comes to DC-style ‘social partner pensions’, introduced in 2018, where takeup has been minimal. Now the government is looking reform the law to make them more attractive. A state buffer fund has been under discussion for several years – this could amass assets of €200bn. The current finance minister, Christian Lindner, is now also looking to boost third-pillar savings. With federal elections in September 2025, time is looking tight.
Pension Funds in Germany - Country Report
Germany Country Report 2024: Unions take a more active role in pensions
Unions have a new role in determining the shape of occupational pensions but are mindful of their duty to protect workers
TOP GERMAN PENSION FUNDS 2024
Pension fund/entity | Assets (€’000)
- Bayersiche Versorgungskamer (BVK) | 111,900,000
- VBL | 59,300,000
- BVV | 34,158,074
- Siemens AG | 26,055,000
- Daimler AG | 21,890,000
©IPE Research; View the Top 1000 European Pensions Funds 2024 for a comprehensive market overview
Sustainable Finance-Beirat expects next government to continue transition finance plans
Chair Silke Stremlau says
BVI warns of new law for venture capital, infra investments being politicised
The new rules create a legal framework that removes obstacles for investment in infrastructure and renewable energy projects
Ex-Siemens CEO views pensions as main block of ‘Agenda 2030’ for Germany’s recovery
‘Pensions must be financed upwards through private wealth accumulation among young people,’ says Joe Kaeser
Adepp, ABV call for improving EU framework for private markets investments
Associations highlight need for a common, stable framework on risk calculation and reporting systems
Germany’s plan to turn KENFO as central asset manager could stand despite crisis
Former traffic-light governing coalition intended to set up a central federal asset manager as part of the draft law reforming the first pillar pension system
TOP MANAGERS: GERMAN INSTITUTIONAL ASSETS
Company | Assets (€m)
- MEAG | 261,068
- Union Investement | 211,291**
- Allianz Global Investors | 163,831***
- DWS | 162,690***
- DekaBank | 146,760*
- Generali Asset Management | 103,665***
- BayernInvest 91,462***
- LBBW Asset Management | 71,518**
- AXA Investment Managers | 65,951
- Amundi | 59,951
As at 30.9.23, *29.10.23, **30.11.23, ***31.12.23
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IPE BEST PENSION FUND IN GERMANY AWARD WINNERS
- 2023 - Bosch Pensionsfonds
- 2022 - Bosch Pensionsfonds
- 2021 - Bosch Pensionsfonds
- 2020 - Bosch Pensionsfonds
- 2019 - Ärzteversorgung Westfalen-Lippe | Telekom Pension Fund
Interviews
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German pension reforms in limbo after coalition government collapse
The collapse of Germany’s three-way ‘traffic light’ coalition in November opens questions about the fate of the pension reforms it had drafted over the past couple of years. The government, led by Olaf Scholz, started in 2021 with a mission to reinforce the capital-funded component of the pension system.
Sustainable Finance-Beirat expects next government to continue transition finance plans
Chair Silke Stremlau says
Equities: US equity markets expected to gain from Trump’s victory
As the political dust settles following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections, global equity funds are eagerly eyeing the incoming administration and the opportunities it may offer
Fixed income, rates, currencies: All eyes on Trump’s return
With the Republican Party now in control of both Senate and House, the leeway that President-elect Donald Trump will have to enact his pre-election policies could be considerable.
HypoVereinsbank pension funds: Searching for sustainability in private markets
Markus Schmidt, director of asset management for the pension funds of Germany’s HVB, talks to Carlo Svaluto Moreolo about the schemes’ combination of strict liability and risk management with a broad growth portfolio and sustainability focus
German pension reforms in limbo after coalition government collapse
The collapse of Germany’s three-way ‘traffic light’ coalition in November opens questions about the fate of the pension reforms it had drafted over the past couple of years. The government, led by Olaf Scholz, started in 2021 with a mission to reinforce the capital-funded component of the pension system.
BVI warns of new law for venture capital, infra investments being politicised
The new rules create a legal framework that removes obstacles for investment in infrastructure and renewable energy projects
Ex-Siemens CEO views pensions as main block of ‘Agenda 2030’ for Germany’s recovery
‘Pensions must be financed upwards through private wealth accumulation among young people,’ says Joe Kaeser
Adepp, ABV call for improving EU framework for private markets investments
Associations highlight need for a common, stable framework on risk calculation and reporting systems
Germany’s plan to turn KENFO as central asset manager could stand despite crisis
Former traffic-light governing coalition intended to set up a central federal asset manager as part of the draft law reforming the first pillar pension system
Publica hires new chief investment officer from VBL
Sandro Doudin will take over as head of asset management and member of the Publica’s management board on 1 July 2025
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