Participation Pension’s Record Growth and Fund Performance in 2025 Highlight Turkey’s Expanding Retirement System

Turkey’s private pension landscape achieved a remarkable breakthrough throughout 2025, showcasing solid growth in both participation and fund performance. The number of individuals benefiting from the pension system surpassed 10 million, while the total—counting automatic enrollment and under-18 participants—soared to 18 million. The combined fund volume of the Individual Pension System (BES) and the Automatic Enrollment System (OKS) exceeded 2 trillion TL, establishing a financial ecosystem of nearly 50 billion USD.

Participation-based funds, whose total size approached 800 billion TL, particularly impressed investors by generating inflation-adjusted profits. Among the various asset categories, precious metals, gold, and lease certificates became the driving forces of these robust results, reinforcing BES’s position as a reliable long-term savings and income supplement system.

Outstanding Fund Returns Led by KJM

The year’s top performer was the Precious Metals Participation Pension Investment Fund (KJM), which delivered a record-breaking 139% annual return, securing its rank as the best-performing retirement fund among all 394 investment funds active on BEFAS. Its success reflects the growing investor confidence in participation-based asset management strategies.

Close behind, the Gold Participation Pension Investment Fund (KEF) offered an impressive 102.45% profit for its investors. Meanwhile, KGC, Turkey’s first silver-based pension fund introduced on September 26, 2025, achieved a striking 57.46% yield by the year’s end, surpassing inflation and drawing significant investor attention.

Currently managing 20 fully interest-free pension funds, Katılım Emeklilik continues to prioritize investor expectations and portfolio diversification, promising to sustain its strong market position and return performance well into 2026.

Strategic Management Behind Success

Ayhan Sincek, General Manager of Katılım Emeklilik, emphasized that these achievements stemmed from disciplined and active management. “Our solid returns are a reflection of consistent market monitoring, carefully built asset allocations, and a firm adherence to ethical finance principles,” he explained. He also underlined that in 2026, the company will continue introducing innovative fund models aiming to deliver sustainable real returns.

Fund Growth Exceeding Expectations

Katılım Emeklilik ended 2025 with a fund size surpassing 63 billion TL, nearly doubling its previous year’s value of 32.79 billion TL. This 92.94% growth rate highlights the company’s consistent upward trajectory and strong investor confidence. Sincek added that the results clearly reflect a “long-term vision combining risk management with sustainable growth.”

International Recognition and Future Vision

The company’s remarkable progress was acknowledged on the international stage with two honors at the International Finance Awards 2025: “Turkey’s Fastest Growing Participation Company” and “Turkey’s Most Innovative Health Insurance Company.” These awards reaffirm Katılım Emeklilik’s leadership and integrity within both domestic and global financial sectors.

Looking toward 2026, Sincek expressed confidence in maintaining momentum: “We plan to increase our market share through digital innovations and customer-focused product development. Our goal is to elevate not just financial performance but also the overall quality and accessibility of our services,” he stated.

This performance positions Katılım Emeklilik as one of the most dynamic and trusted institutions in Turkey’s evolving pension market, setting new benchmarks in participation-based financial growth.