Swiss pension funds are generally set up to manage volatile investment markets. They typically have diverse investment strategies and, by international standards, relatively low exposure to volatile asset classes compared to other countries. Pension fund management will have to engage their business continuity plans to keep operating just like any other business.
We see the following impacts and considerations:
| Impact of COVID-19 | Situation | Possible actions |
| Volatile financial markets affecting asset values and funding levels |
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The investment strategy should already be set for the long-term and designed to ride out difficult markets. There may be some adjustments needed to the invest-ment mix, sometimes due to breaches of limits caused by changing values. |
| Pension benefits can support workforce management |
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If the crisis means you need to make changes to your workforce, the pension fund’s benefits and options may help. Any welfare fund could also be used today to support employees through hardship. |
| Pension funds as a source of corporate liquidity |
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Employer contribution reserves (pre-payments of pension contributions) can help reduce cash outflows and now may be a good time to use them. Temporarily lowering regular payments may also ease demands on employees and employer. In some cases, the pension fund may be an option, but balancing this with fund security and relations are critical. |
| Continuity of pension fund management |
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Is the Pension Fund Board organised to take decisions? Does the pension fund management have the staff they need to get through their workload in a remote and digital working environment? Some contingency plans and extra support may be needed. |
| Growing concern about global recession |
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Swiss pension funds came through the 2008 financial crisis damaged but intact, so may be ready for a difficult economic environment. Once the initial crisis has calmed, pension funds and employers may be in a position to do scenario planning to make sure they’re “future proof”. |
Conclusion: the same long-term questions of affordability and risk remain
For most pension funds and employers, there’s no urgent need to make major changes. Some short-term tactical measures might be required. Later there will be time and a need to reflect again on what are in our view the 2 fundamental questions for swiss pension funds:
- How are retirement outcomes provided that are affordable and meet the needs of an employer and its employees in a low interest world and unpredictable economic and demographic circumstances;
- Who bears the risks and upsides related to these outcomes, the employer through additional funding or the employees through their outcomes?
These questions are not new, but a changed world will bring this into a new focus.
Summary
- COVID-19 might trigger some actions for Swiss pension fund, but they should not panic.
- Pension funds can be a support for company liquidity.
- The benefits provided by pension funds can support workforce management.
- The same long-term questions of affordability and risk remain.
