The appropriate disposal of retirement fund surpluses

Abstract

This paper attempts to clarify the different paradigms from which defined benefit funds are viewed, and the financial nature of the contracts implicit in their rules. Suggestions are made as to the principles that trustees might follow in applying the surpluses for the benefit of stakeholders. KEYWORDS: Pension funds; surpluses; defined benefit; fiduciary duties South African Actuarial Journal: 2001 1: 1-34