MNB: 63% remained in default pension-fund portfolios

At the end of 2025, 63% of members of voluntary pension funds offering portfolio choice were in the default portfolio, according to a professional article published by the MNB on 6 November. For Hungarian savers, this is an opportunity to compare their own choice with the time remaining until they expect to use their savings.

An edited version of central-bank expert Noémi Légrádi's article appeared on Portfolio on 5 November. The data do not show whether every member remaining in the default portfolio failed to make a decision: they may have deliberately chosen the same option. The percentage therefore does not measure unsuitable investments.

A practical comparison can separately list the intended withdrawal date, tolerance for losses and charges. The MNB's cost comparison tool helps with the latter; values for different horizons need to be examined on consistent terms. A lower-cost portfolio can still carry different risks, and past returns are not a promise.

The earlier EU discussion on automatic enrolment in pension programmes concerned the participation default; the present article addresses existing members' investment choices. The market-supervision portal, meanwhile, can help check a provider.

The next personal step may be to read the annual account statement alongside the current portfolio description. The national percentage cannot support a personalised recommendation that any particular member switch portfolios.