Korea is the fastest growing old age nation among the OECD members and will enter into the advanced age society by 2019. Accordingly, the Korean government is keen on stablizing social security system and, as a first step, is preparing for the introduction of corporate pension system by the end of this year.

Despite latest signs of recovery, the Korean economy exhibits its weaknesses in a number of areas including slow growth of investment and spending, weak dollar, and high oil prices. In addition, the Korean government must formulate policy measures to counter the challenges of an advanced age society.

The Sixth Seoul International Financial Forum will primarily discuss role models of pension operation, highlighting: (i) merits and demerits of defined benefits and contributions and (ii) limitations on proprietary investment and risk asset investments. These issues comprise the core of the forthcoming corporate retirement pension system. Also highlighted at the forum will be best practices of advanced nations' pension operations.

The Financial News and its annual financial forums have been at the forefront of the advancement of the Korean financial industry since its establishment in 2000. High-ranking government officials, renowned financial experts, and leading scholars gather together to discuss key issues facing the Korean financial market to propose future directions of pension system development.

This year's forum will surely deliver concrete answers to "Issues on Retirement Pension and Asset Management" for government policy-makers and industry practioners. We look forward to your continual support for the success of the annual financial forum.