Large banks utilise networks for private pensions distribution

The majority of top-ranking banks on the Romanian market have started to utilise their branch networks for the distribution of mandatory private pensions (the 2nd pillar). Some banks broker sales for their own pension companies, while others sell for one or more partners, however, the bottom line is that banks have started to capitalise on their main advantage in the private pensions business: their extensive territorial network. No less than 12 local banks have become involved in the distribution of private pensions. In fact, at the top of the list are two of Romania’s largest banks – BCR and BRD SocGen – each of them brokering these products for their own voluntary pensions management company. Raiffeisen, the third largest bank (in terms of assets), is also involved in distribution, after it set up a private pensions broker that sells products on behalf of AIG Fond de Pensii (AIG Pension Fund). Banca Transilvania also sells private pensions for the BT Aegon joint venture (in which it holds 50%), whilst ING sells pension products for the group’s pension company.