Natixis IM's 2026 Global Retirement Index Highlights Pressure on Retirement Security
The Natixis Investment Managers' 2026 Global Retirement Index (GRI) reveals growing pressure on retirement security worldwide due to aging populations, high public debt, and persistent inflation. Norway leads the index for a second consecutive year with an 83% score, while Iceland drops five places from fourth to ninth primarily due to declining material wellbeing linked to higher unemployment. Finland experiences the most significant decline overall, falling 12 spots to 35th place as its score dropped by 12 percentage points. Among larger developed countries, Germany ranks highest at 75%, while the UK remains second in this category but drops one position globally to 15th with a score of 72%. The report emphasizes that outdated retirement systems built on 20th-century assumptions are struggling under modern pressures such as longer life expectancies and shifting work patterns. Andrew Benton, Head of Northern Europe & MEACA at Natixis Investment Managers, highlights the need for policy reform to shift from saving-based models to investing-focused strategies. The GRI evaluates retirement security using 18 performance indicators across four sub-indices: Finances in Retirement, Material Wellbeing, Health and Quality of Life. The report underscores that individuals are increasingly taking responsibility for their own retirement funding as traditional three-pillar systems face strain from demographic shifts.
Topics: aging population country rankings Global Retirement Index inflation public debt