immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Vorsorge

  • Occupational pension provision with high interest rates

    Occupational pension provision with high interest rates

    The year 2024 was a success for the pension funds. Thanks to positive developments on the capital markets, an average net asset performance of 7.4 % was achieved. Only 0.8 % of the institutions still had a shortfall at the end of the year. Active insured persons also benefited. Their retirement assets earned an average interest rate of 3.76 %, well above the statutory minimum interest rate of 1.25 %.

    Market risks remain
    Despite the positive outlook for 2024, OAK BV urges caution. Market distortions due to geopolitical tensions are already weighing on the current year. It therefore remains essential to build up and maintain fluctuation reserves in order to cushion potential losses and stabilise the system in the long term. A stress test carried out shows that the pension funds are currently well positioned.

    Focus on collective and joint schemes
    The Supervisory Board continues to focus on collective and joint schemes, which look after around 75% of active insured persons. In this heterogeneous structure, the OPSC sees risks due to conflicts of interest, competitive pressure and insufficient reserves in the event of rapid growth. New guidelines on the distinction between interest and benefit improvements and on transactions with related parties are intended to increase transparency and stability.

    The next development step
    In addition to ongoing supervision, the OPSC BV is providing impetus for the further development of the system. A more standardised supervisory practice, clearer rules for brokerage and auditing as well as a risk-oriented reporting obligation should make the system fit for the future. The evaluation of the LOB structural reform will show where there is a need for legislative action.

    Robust system, remain vigilant
    Occupational pension provision in Switzerland is solid and resilient at the end of 2024. But the challenges remain. Long-term security can only be guaranteed with consistent supervision, structural development and a clear focus on the interests of the insured.

  • Stefan Kölliker, President of the Government of St. Gallen, is a strategic new member of the Board of Directors

    Stefan Kölliker, President of the Government of St. Gallen, is a strategic new member of the Board of Directors

    As part of the reorganisation, which is accompanied by a focus on construction, capital and pensions, Hans Klaus, a long-standing member of the Board of Directors, has announced his retirement. This step follows the successful implementation of the company’s strategic realignment, which Klaus has played a key role in shaping since 2021. His departure marks the end of an era in which he made significant contributions to the development and positioning of Admicasa.

    New impetus from Stefan Kölliker
    With the appointment of Stefan Kölliker, who has in-depth knowledge of politics and business, Admicasa is focusing on a continued innovative and interdisciplinary strategy. Kölliker’s experience from his time as Head of the Department of Education and President of the Government of St. Gallen is particularly valuable for future projects and challenges, such as combating the housing shortage.

    Kölliker himself emphasises the innovative potential of the company and the opportunity to actively contribute his broad knowledge. His vision of tackling cross-industry problems with new approaches is highly valued by Serge Aerne. Aerne sees Kölliker not only as a successor, but also as a driving force who will enrich the company with his extensive network and his political and economic expertise.

    Outlook and strategic goals
    With the integration of Stefan Kölliker into the Board of Directors, Admicasa is pursuing the goal of further expanding its market-leading position. Kölliker’s background and strategic mindset are key to setting the course for a successful future and leading Admicasa into a new phase of growth and innovation.

  • Part-time work has an impact on pensions and AHV financing

    Part-time work has an impact on pensions and AHV financing

    Part-time work is on the rise in Switzerland, especially among women. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reports that around 30 per cent of single women without children will be working part-time in 2022, compared to only 15 per cent of men. This way of working not only affects individual income and pension benefits, but also the financing of the pay-as-you-go AHV system.

    A study by UBS economists entitled “Part-time work: effects on pension provision” highlights the fact that part-time work leads to reduced pension benefits and reduced savings capacity. This particularly affects single people without children, whereby the resulting pension gap is often disproportionate to the reduction in workload. For couples, on the other hand, part-time work in conjunction with income-dependent childcare subsidies can have less dramatic effects.

    The UBS study “AHV 2030 – Labour market scenarios for the fiscal sustainability of the AHV” shows that a change in labour market participation has a direct impact on the AHV funding gap. Increasing female labour market participation could slightly reduce this gap, while reduced male participation would widen the gap. A higher labour force participation of older workers would also have a positive effect.

    Future developments in the labour market and social trends such as a better work-life balance or increased childcare by men could make further structural reforms to the AHV necessary. The UBS economists emphasise that changes in the labour market alone are not enough to close the AHV funding gap.

  • Valuu extends to personal loans

    Valuu extends to personal loans

    Valuu is now also offering digital comparison options for personal loans, informs the owner of the comparison platform, PostFinance , in a message . The corresponding process was developed together with customers and lenders, it says there. Testing and lending are initially the responsibility of Migros Bank, BANK-now, Cembra Money Bank, eny Finance and good finance.

    "As a pioneer in the Swiss market, Valuu offers its customers an independent direct comparison for personal loans", Thomas Jakob, Chief Business Unit Officer Platform Business at PostFinance, is quoted in the press release. "As is already known from the mortgage business, customers can transparently compare individual offers and then apply for them directly online – thus saving time and money."

    PostFinance will continue to optimize Valuu in the future and incorporate new lenders for mortgages and personal loans, according to the announcement. In the long term, the company is pursuing the goal of developing Valuu "into the leading Swiss comparison and conclusion platform in the areas of finance, insurance and provision".

  • MoneyPark moves into a larger location in Winterthur

    MoneyPark moves into a larger location in Winterthur

    MoneyPark is growing in Winterthur. Last year, the company's team there was expanded from three to six consultants. Accordingly, MoneyPark has now moved into new premises. The location is at Metzggasse 20 and, according to a report, comprises six consultation rooms.

    "Now we want to continue to grow and provide our customers with intensive support on everything to do with mortgages, provisioning and buying and selling real estate," Flavian Scheidegger is quoted as saying. In June he took over the management of the Winterthur branch from Andreas Leu.

    Not only the branch in Winterthur is expanding. MoneyPark also recently expanded its business. In this way, customers can get advice not only on financing and provision, but also on questions relating to property searches, buying, owning and selling.