The private optional pensions (the 3rd pillar) will attract some 200,000 clients this year, estimates Crinu Andanut, manager of the pensions division of Allianz-Tiriac. Optional pensions will start operating in May, when the first contributions to the 3rd pillar are paid, according to the latest official statements. “Optional pensions will attract around 200,000 clients, with compulsory pensions attracting 2.3 to 2.5 million clients in the first year of activity,” stated Andanut. On the 3rd pillar, the company will manage at least three funds under different categories of risk. These risks will be classified depending on the preference of the existing clients on the market of unit-linked policies. According to Andanut, potential buyers of 3rd pillar pensions could be inclined to take risks, especially younger buyers. Allianz-Tiriac was given the green light last week from the Private Pension Supervision Commission (CSSPP) for the establishment of a company specialised in optional pensions. As a result, Allianz-Tiriac will turn its pension division into a new company, which in turn will be run by Andanut.