LONDON – October 9, 2025 – WTW's latest 2025 International Pension Plan (IPP) Survey reveals a significant expansion in the use of IPPs and International Savings Plans (ISPs) by multinational employers around the world, particularly in regions with underdeveloped retirement markets or economic uncertainty.
According to the study, which covers 1154 plans, nearly six-in-10 (58%) IPPs are offered globally and in the past five years a quarter (25%) of new IPPs have been made available to groups of local employees, compared to just 13% of the total IPPs in operation, demonstrating a shift towards more inclusive access to these savings vehicles.
The report also highlights rising demand for ESG and, specifically, Shariah-compliant investment options. Demand for overall ESG investment options from employers has increased to 62% in 2025, up from 51% in 2019. Specifically, within ESG, adoption of Shariah-compliant investment options has become one of the biggest trends in IPPs. One-in-five (22%) plans now offer Shariah funds among their investment fund options and 86% of IPP providers reported further interest in this area from sponsoring employers, suggesting significant growth is still to come.
“Employers are recognising the value of IPPs and ISPs in providing flexible, portable retirement solutions for their global workforce.”
Michael Brough | Senior Director, Integrated and Global Solutions at WTW
Michael Brough, Senior Director, Integrated and Global Solutions at WTW, said: "Employers are recognising the value of IPPs and ISPs in providing flexible, portable retirement solutions for their global workforce. This trend is driven by the need for more adaptable and sustainable retirement plans that can accommodate diverse employee needs.
"The increasing demand for Shariah investments reflects a broader shift towards more inclusive and sustainable investment practices. Another trend we’re seeing is access to private market investments starting to become available to savers through their IPP, providing long-term returns and portfolio diversifying benefits. As employers continue to adapt their retirement plans to meet evolving employee expectations, we can expect to see further innovation in investment options."
While average employer contribution rates have remained stable, the report highlights that improvements have been made in member outcomes as a third (31%) of IPPs have broadened their pensionable salary definitions to include bonuses as well as base salary, while 61% require employee contributions.
Technology is playing a crucial role in enhancing member experience, with three-quarters (77%) investing in online budgeting tools and nearly two-thirds (62%) in a mobile app, empowering employees to actively engage with their financial futures. Over eight-in-10 providers (83%) have plans to enhance their financial wellbeing offering further over the next two-years.
With the expansion of portfolios and investment options, there is an increased need for robust governance practices. A third (34%) of IPPs now report to a governance committee, up from 20% in 2020, offering enhanced oversight in order to support the long-term financial security of a diverse workforce.
Brough said: "The future of IPPs and ISPs lies in their ability to adapt to changing employee needs and market conditions. By leveraging technology, expanding investment options and shifting from retail to lower cost institutional pricing, employers can create more effective and sustainable retirement plans.
“The research underscores the dynamic nature of the retirement planning landscape, driven by changing employee needs, growing asset complexity, and technological advancements. As employers continue to navigate these trends, IPP and ISP will continue to evolve and innovate.”
WTW’s 17th annual International Pension Plan Survey 2025 was conducted in the second half of 2024 and covers 1154 IPP and ISP sponsors representing over 375,000 members and $21.8 billion in assets under management.
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