The reform of the Occupational Insurance Funds presents an opportunity for greater social resilience and stronger growth prospects, emphasized Piraeus Bank CEO Christos Megalou in a message addressed to the 7th Occupational Insurance Conference organized by the Hellenic Association of Occupational Insurance Funds.
As Mr. Megalou noted in a pre-recorded video message, Piraeus Bank was the first Greek bank to establish an Occupational Insurance Fund. This institution has now become a forum for substantive dialogue on savings, investments, and the future of pension security in our country,” he noted, adding that today occupational insurance is linked to broader developments in demographics, growth, and the economic security of citizens.
The new European strategy aims to establish a stronger link between savings and productive investment, which simultaneously strengthens citizens’ financial security and the competitiveness of the European economy.
Occupational pension plans can transform systematic, long-term savings into capital that supports pensions, strengthens capital markets, and helps finance the real economy, he said.
The CEO of Piraeus Bank emphasized that the bank’s establishment of the first TEA in the banking sector reflects its long-term approach and early recognition of the value of systematic savings and supplemental pension protection. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between employers and employees in shaping stronger and more sustainable solutions for the future.
As he emphasized, the Bank actively supports the second pillar, believing that pension funds can evolve into strong institutional investors that make a substantial contribution to the financing of the economy. At the same time, the integration of National Insurance into the Piraeus Group opens a new chapter for the third pillar as well and enables the Bank to create a broader ecosystem of savings, protection, and investment, meeting the needs of its customers at every stage of their lives.
European initiatives, market developments, and the momentum of reforms are creating a significant opportunity today, Mr. Megalou noted. “Occupational insurance can be one of the most effective mechanisms for strengthening pension adequacy and long-term well-being. At Piraeus Bank, we are ready to actively contribute to this effort, drawing on our experience, expertise, and an expanded ecosystem of savings, protection, and investment solutions that meet the needs of this new era,” he concluded.