Non-state pension funds of religious organisations in Ukraine: Background and factors of influence

Abstract

In this article, an attempt is made to reveal the prerequisites for and factors influencing the participation of religious organisations in establishing non-state pension funds in Ukraine. This study is based on the current regulatory framework, economic indicators, and information regarding the practical activities of the only non-state pension fund established by a religious organisation in Ukraine. Moreover, this study analyses the legal, ethical, security, economic, and corporate prerequisites for and factors that influence the formation and operation of church pension funds. In general, the conditions for the development of non-state accumulative pension funds in Ukraine are unfavourable; this is due to the high level of inflation, the backwardness of the financial institutions in the country, and the public distrust of these institutions. However, the positive factors influencing the development of pension funds established by religious organisations include the high performance of the “Pokrova” church fund, the stability of church institutions (which can become a benchmark for citizens in their attitude towards institutions established by religious organisations), and the interest of clergy and religious organisations themselves in the accumulation of clerical pensions (either in addition to the state pension or instead of it). Despite the fact that the practice of establishing such funds is not widespread, they deserve more attention from the state, as they fulfil an important social function − the provision of pension for a specific person (whether a believer, a clergyman, or any other person).