The future of pension provision will be dominated by defined contribution (DC) arrangements. Consequently, organisations providing DC are likely to see substantial growth, which could attract significant competition, both of which imply significant management challenges. This peer study aims to explore current and emerging global best practice among DC organisations.
The study has been conducted in partnership with LifeSight and Aware Super and follows Thinking Ahead’s peer study project in 2018 which was published in the report Shifts for the DC organisation of tomorrow.
The Global DC Peer Study includes in-depth examination of 20 prominent DC organisations globally representing over $2tn of influential capital, which is important to the futures of people and planet. The study covers six countries and wide range of asset sizes, and aims to identify trends, regulatory shifts, and operational differences that have emerged over time, and that could be taken up in different regions.
Below we have included the summary report of the study and other relevant investment insights.
The growth in size and professionalism of DC organisations over the last seven years is really quite remarkable. What is constant is a very strong commitment to the individuals they serve. It is genuinely impressive.
Tim Hodgson, Co-founder at the Thinking Ahead Institute
The challenges facing DC organisations are complex, yet what stands out is the willingness to share and progress collectively
Jessica Gao, Researcher at the Thinking Ahead Institute
We want our members to retire with the best possible outcome—one built on confidence, adequate income, and the right education, support, and guidance every step of the way.
DC peer study participant
DC 2.0 (the next generation of DC plans) is going to be our primary focus, but we are already looking at ways to expand and develop that with more longevity protection built in for a whole of life solution.
DC peer study participant
Related pages
Key resources
*New* Global DC Peer Study – Summary Report
This summary report distils the key findings from the Global DC Peer Study 2025, exploring critical themes such as retirement income innovation, governance strength, and technology adoption. Download the PDF Summary Report.
*Coming soon* Global DC Peer Study – Full Report
Our full report will be launched in the coming months and will be available for members only.
Global DC Peer Study symposium 2025
Catch up with the event slides from our 2025 symposium, featuring insights from our study. Discover global trends, emerging best practices, and the future of DC. Access is limited to members—let us know if you need help logging in.
Pensions aren’t what they used to be… a glimpse into the future
This paper – Pensions aren’t what they used to be… a glimpse into the future – has been written following the research and discussion conducted by the Thinking Ahead Institute’s Future of pensions working group.
DC peer study 2018: Shifts for the DC organisation of tomorrow
The study is based on a survey and interviews of ten leading organisations in four different continents. It highlights the changing face of defined contribution (DC) around the world, drawing on the insights of the organisations that are defining the next generation of best practices.
DC Research Papers
From design and purpose to reform, Thinking Ahead’s research has captured some of the DC industry’s biggest questions over the years— here are some standout highlights.
