I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 NASRA Annual Conference last week in Seattle, and it was a fantastic experience connecting with pension professionals, consulting firms, and technology partners. Hearing firsthand what’s top-of-mind for funds gave me valuable insights into current trends and challenges in the industry.
Technology Modernization is a Top Priority
Many funds are actively modernizing their pension administration systems to improve engagement with members and employers, streamline operations, and adapt to evolving plan requirements. Key focus areas include enhancing self-service options, identity verification, and call center efficiency, all supported by digital tools and emerging technologies.
AI: Opportunity and Caution
Artificial intelligence was a major theme throughout the conference, including a keynote session devoted to its potential. Funds are exploring AI to improve productivity and member experiences, especially in call centers, while being careful to ensure it provides accurate guidance and actionable insights.
Building a Resilient Workforce
Workforce development was another consistent theme. Funds are prioritizing training and building resilient teams to meet evolving demands and effectively leverage new technologies, including AI tools.
Member and Employer Engagement
Engaging stakeholders continues to be critical. Funds are focused on educating employers on return-to-work rules, supporting members through benefit adjustments, and staying ahead of legislative changes.
Strong Financial Performance and Strategic Planning
Many funds shared that they’ve been able to improve liability funding ratios thanks to strong investment returns and increasing contribution rates. Funds are proactively working with their legislators to secure the future of benefits for their members.
How Vitech Supports Funds in Meeting These Initiatives
At Vitech, we’re focused on helping pension funds address the priorities highlighted at NASRA:
- Technology Modernization: Our solutions streamline pension administration, enhance self-service, and improve stakeholder engagement.
- AI Integration: We leverage AI to automate routine tasks, validate data, and deliver actionable insights, with plans to expand AI-driven support for member engagement and decision-making.
- Workforce Enablement: By simplifying processes and providing advanced analytics, our tools empower teams to be more productive and resilient.
These capabilities are designed to help funds modernize operations, optimize outcomes, and provide a better experience for both members and employers.
Attending NASRA last week reminded me how pension funds are navigating change and embracing innovation while carefully managing risk. I left inspired by the opportunities ahead and more committed than ever to supporting funds in modernizing their operations, enhancing engagement, and leveraging AI responsibly.
