Katılım Emeklilik starts 2026 strong with early Pension System initiative

The Individual Pension System (BES) strengthens its standing with 18 million participants and 2 trillion TL in funds

The Individual Pension System (BES), recognized as one of Turkey’s most significant long-term saving structures, continues to grow steadily both in the number of participants and in total fund volume. With 18 million members and assets totaling 2 trillion TL, BES not only fosters individual financial security but also provides sustained support to the Turkish economy through long-term capital resources.

The growing success of the system rests not solely on state contributions but also on its robust infrastructure, expanding fund options, and consistent long-term performance. The average return rate of 824% generated by BES funds in the last five years once again illustrates the system’s ability to deliver value significantly above inflation. While helping individuals secure their future savings, BES also contributes to the vitality of capital markets and the real sector through its long-term funding capacity.

BES participation of minors continues to rise rapidly

In recent years, one of the most remarkable growth segments within BES has been participants under the age of 18. When the program first launched at the end of 2021, under-18 participation was 2.4%. By the end of 2025, this figure had climbed to 14.9%. While there were slightly over 181,000 underage participants in 2021, this number surpassed 1.9 million as of January 2026.

During 2025 alone, approximately 300,000 new participants under 18 joined BES, marking an increase of 18.8%. This growing participation indicates that families are becoming increasingly motivated to establish long-term financial plans for their children at an early stage.

Katılım Emeklilik’s Early BES achieves remarkable progress

Katılım Emeklilik, standing out as one of the sector’s most innovative companies, has demonstrated exceptional performance in the under-18 segment with its Early BES product. In 2021, 12,605 under-18 participants chose Katılım Emeklilik’s plan, while by the end of January 2026, this number reached 194,938. Over four years, the company’s Early BES participants rose around 15.4 times, with an average annual increase close to 97%.

Focusing solely on 2025, the number of minors preferring Katılım Emeklilik grew by 37,000, an annual expansion of 23.6%. As of January 2026, nearly 10.20% of Turkey’s total under-18 BES participants were part of the Katılım Emeklilik Early BES program.

“Early BES is an aware investment for children’s future”

Katılım Emeklilik’s General Manager, Ayhan Sincek, highlighted the evolution in families’ financial mindset regarding Early BES. Sincek stated, “Families are increasingly understanding the necessity of saving for their children from an early age. Early BES goes beyond being a financial solution; it has become a mindful, sustainable choice for securing the future of the next generation.”

The total fund size reached 76 billion TL

By the end of 2025, Katılım Emeklilik achieved a total fund value of 63 billion TL and grew this figure to 76 billion TL by January 2026. With an expanding participant base and increasing fund volume, the company continues to reinforce its strategic role within the Private Pension System (BES) as a key actor in promoting long-term savings.

• #Individual Pension System