Global Pension Rankings 2025: Netherlands Tops, U.S. Falls Behind

Global Pension Ranking US 2025: The Netherlands is still number one in the world for retirement systems, says the new Mercer CFA Global Pension Index. The study checks 52 countries and shows how they do with pensions. The index looks at three main things called Adequacy, Sustainability, and Integrity. These mean how much money people get, how safe the system is for the future, and if the rules and management are fair and clear.

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Northern European countries again dominate the top ranks. The Netherlands scored 85.4, thanks to its universal coverage and a mix of public and private pension schemes. Other nations earning an A grade include Iceland, Denmark, Singapore, Israel, Sweden, Australia, Chile, Finland, and Norway. Each of these countries combines careful financial planning with strong social support frameworks.

Singapore Makes Historic Rise to A Grade

One of the most remarkable stories in the 2025 index is Singapore. The country reached an A grade for the first time in history. Its system revolves around the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which requires contributions from both employers and employees. The fund helps citizens with retirement, housing, and healthcare savings.

Singapore’s rise shows more than economic strength. The government improved transparency so people understand how their money turns into long-term benefits. “In 2009, Singapore’s system held a C rating, rising to a B+ last year before reaching the A threshold in 2025, a leap that Jenkins called one of the most impressive in the index’s history,” the report said.

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Global Pension Grades and Other Countries

Mercer grades countries based on their index scores. Any country above 80 gets an A, 76 to 80 gets B+, 66 to 75 is B, 61 to 65 is C+, 51 to 60 is C, 35 to 50 is D and below 35 would get E, though no country has fallen that low.

• Outside the top 10 Canada and New Zealand both scored 70.4, earning a B and tying for 15th place.
• The United Kingdom scored 72.2, ranking 12th.
• The United States dropped to 30th with a C+ at 61.1.
• In Asia, Japan finished 39th with a C at 56.3.
• India scored 43.8, earning a D grade. Low pension coverage and limited access to formal retirement programs were cited as main reasons for India’s low ranking.