Managing reputational risk in the decumulation phase of a pension fund

Abstract

In this paper, we suggest strategies for a pension provider to avoid a loss of reputation due to possible pension reductions in the decumulation phase. In different settings, we determine optimal actions to keep the pension plan solvent, i.e. value of the assets always above the net present value of the pension liabilities. With this in mind, we solve suitable singular control problems. We show that, in expectation, the pension provider can cover the costs of the optimal action via sharing bonus payments with the policyholders.