Private pensions, over 3 thousand new contributors in 6 months/ AFSA: New record also in the net assets of the funds. However, passive members increase
Living on a state pension alone is becoming increasingly difficult for the elderly in Albania, especially those living alone. The main support continues to be children, as Albanians see no other solution to have more income in old age. Private pensions continue to be a solution, but one that is not widely embraced.
According to data from the Financial Supervisory Authority (AMF), the number of members in private pension funds reached over 48 thousand at the end of the first half of the year, increasing by 7.4% compared to the previous year. The private pension scheme saw the addition of 3,315 new contributors.
Despite this, the number of passive members has also increased, that is, those who already have an account in the fund but do not pay contributions.
Citizens have the opportunity to invest their money in eight private pension funds, which are managed by four companies. The money that citizens pay for a private pension, the management companies of private pension funds invest only in government securities, i.e. in treasury bills and bonds, and do not invest it in other forms, such as bank deposits.
Official statistics show that the private pension market has total net assets of around 13.8 billion lek, marking an increase of almost 8%. Around 13.7 billion lek are invested in government securities, including private closed-end funds.
The ratio between those who contribute to the state social security scheme and those who contribute to private pension schemes remains low. So, according to one estimate, approximately 5.7% of contributors to the state social security scheme also pay money into private pensions.
Due to low credibility, lack of information on how the private scheme works, or the perception that monthly income is not enough to contribute to a private pension, the number of members in these funds remains very low.
Albanian passports, the most sought after / January–June, 400 people applied to gain citizenship
The number of Albanians who have applied to renounce their citizenship has dropped by almost three times during the first six months of 2025, compared to the......
Pensions, a "time bomb" - France pays about 400 billion euros/year, the reform could "kill" another prime minister
France's Prime Minister François Bayrou, who faces a confidence vote next week, has blamed his 19 million over-60s for the collapse of the country's......
Energy production from floating TPPs/ KESH aims to purchase 15 thousand tons of fuel, opens tender
The Albanian Power Corporation will purchase 15 thousand tons of fuel, which will serve for the production of energy from the 2 floating TECs, located in......
Debts to businesses and citizens, 99 million euros/6 months, stock of liabilities for court decisions decreases
Central and local government debts to businesses and citizens have been increasing throughout this year. According to official data from the Ministry of......
Energy purchases from KESH/ Unfavorable hydro year, total bill reaches 159 million euros
The unfavorable water situation has forced the Albanian Power Corporation to develop several energy purchasing procedures in recent weeks, in order to meet......
What are businesses borrowing for? Financing is geared towards equipment. Companies avoid exchange rate risk
In July 2025, Albanian businesses took out a total of 19.1 billion lek in new loans, but how they used this money says a lot about their priorities and......
Oman offers golden visas to foreigners/ Lowers investment threshold and guarantees long-term stays for entrepreneurs
Oman has officially launched a program to favor long-term residency permits, aiming to attract foreign capital and skilled professionals from abroad. The......
Gold trades above USD 3,500/ Reason, weaker dollar and expectations for interest rate cuts
The price of gold surpassed $3,500 an ounce, hitting a record high, as a weaker dollar and expectations of interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve......
