Alternatives to Cash in Ensuring the Solvency of Defined Benefit Pension Funds

Abstract

Since 2001, even some sound corporate sponsors have faced sudden and severe negative impacts on pension plan solvency due to poor equity market performance, record low interest rates and declining mortality trends. Following an overview of key accounting changes that have occurred internationally, this article reports on legislation and regulations developing in Canada to assist plan sponsors. The authors describe different instruments of financial guarantee that might be employed and identify several areas that require additional work to enhance those instruments' robustness and transparency.