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Nasfund Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Sharma, attended the Pacific Islands Investment Forum (PIIF) Investment Conference held in Denarau, Fiji, from 24 to 26 August 2026, representing Nasfund as a member of PIIF while also participating in his capacity as President of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG) and Treasurer of PIIF.
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Dear Members,
At Nasfund, our priority remains safeguarding, growing, and modernizing your superannuation savings. I am proud to announce a historic milestone in the journey of our Fund: Nasfund has officially surpassed K10 billion in Net Asset Value (NAV).
Crossing the K10 billion threshold is a great accomplishment in the history of Nasfund. It stands as a powerful testament to the discipline of our investment
strategies, the enduring contribution of Papua New Guinea’s workforce, and the trust you and your employers place in us every day. This financial foundation positions us to champion your retirement readiness and advocate for your retirement wellbeing
with greater impact than ever before.
Showcasing PNG on the Global and Regional Stage
Growing a K10 billion portfolio requires proactive leadership and strong relationships across our region:
• PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane: Attending the Business Advantage PNG Investment Conference alongside Eric Kramer from our Investments team, it was encouraging to see Nasfund’s operational data featured directly in Prime Minister James Marape’s opening address to reinforce the reality of Papua New Guinea’s economic growth. During his presentation, the Prime Minister outlined the nation’s
economic roadmap. During discussions Eric Kramer was direct in reminding international delegates that PNG holds both domestic capital and local expertise,
emphasizing that our market seeks genuine partnership and long term co investment from foreign investors, rather than simply outside capital.
• Pacific Islands Investment Forum (PIIF) in Fiji: At the PIIF meeting in Fiji, where I serve as CEO of Nasfund, President of ASFPNG, and Treasurer of PIIF, we are advancing discussions on a regional co-investment framework. This model enables super funds across the South Pacific to pool resources into major infrastructure assets, spreading portfolio risk while securing higher returns for our members.
Grassroots Outreach with Starlink Powered Mobile Service Booths
Nasfund has deployed mobile service booths equipped with Starlink satellite connectivity to break through local communication barriers:
• Provincial Onboarding: Our teams recently
travelled to Kimbe, West New Britain Province, directly onboarding and registering local smallholder growers into the Fund on the spot alongside the MiBank team.
• National Reach: Mobile booths are actively serving members across Port Moresby, Lae, and Kokopo, and are currently deploying throughout the Highlands region to bring complete service directly to rural workers.
A Comprehensive Digital Ecosystem
Our physical outreach works hand in hand with our expanding self-service digital platforms:
• WhatsApp and USSD TextBal: Check your account balances in real time using either the traditional *627# mobile short code or WhatsApp, with WhatsApp exclusively offering automated daily benefit payment updates.
• e-Branch Portal: Lodge unemployment benefit claims and apply for housing advance withdrawals online without waiting in branch lines. Simply email all
completed documents to e-withdrawals@nasfund.com.pg. Note that there is a strict file limit of 10 MB; any email attachment larger than this will not be received.
• Online Forms and Maintenance: Submit Member Details Update Forms and request the consolidation of multiple accounts straight to our member maintenance team for swift processing via the Nasfund e-Branch portal located on our website.
• Nasfund App and Member Online Portal: Track contribution histories, verify housing advance eligibility instantly, and update personal contact details so your records always remain current.
• Superannuation Calculator: Available directly on the Nasfund website, this tool helps you visualize what your retirement can look like and empowers you to adjust voluntary contributions and personal expenses to match your lifestyle preferences and long-term retirement goals.
Meeting Members Where They Are: Multi Channel Engagement and Social Growth
Effective member engagement must reflect the diverse demographics of our growing Fund:
• Expanding Social Reach: We have seen strong growth across our digital communities this month, with our LinkedIn network crossing 75,000 followers, alongside accelerating engagement across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and our interactive website chatbot.
• Encouraging Open Dialogue: Our data reveals that Nasfund members are proactive and confident in querying processes, questioning systems, and seeking clarity on products and services. We welcome this transparency and continue to invest in
relevant superannuation education tools such as the social media reels and Nasfund's ChatBot.
Caption: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma and members of the Pacific Islands Investment Forum (PIIF) at the PIIF Investment Conference in Denarau, Fiji. Picture Courtesy of PIIF Communications Team
The three-day conference brought together superannuation funds, investment professionals, development partners, and regional stakeholders to advance discussions on sustainable investment opportunities across the Pacific.
Organised in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) initiative, the conference focused on strengthening the PIIF Investment Platform, supporting the mobilisation of Pacific capital, developing investment-ready projects, enhancing governance frameworks, and building investment capacity across member funds.
The conference programme featured presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions from leading institutional investors, including representatives from the New Zealand Super Fund and the Australian Retirement Trust, reflecting the growing engagement between Pacific investment funds and major regional financial institutions.
PIIF Secretariat Executive Director, Damien Beddoes, said the conference provided an important platform for collaboration among member funds and partners.
"The conference creates opportunities for meaningful engagement through breakout sessions and networking, allowing members and partners to progress discussions on strategic investments, partnerships, governance, and regional development initiatives," Mr Beddoes said.
He added that the event would provide key decision-makers with greater insight into the Pacific Investment Platform, its benefits for member funds, emerging investment opportunities, and practical ways to leverage collective resources for regional growth.
Mr Sharma said his participation at the conference reflected Nasfund's continued commitment to contributing to discussions on regional economic development and long-term investment opportunities that benefit members.
"As CEO of Nasfund, President of ASFPNG, and Treasurer of PIIF, my attendance provides an opportunity to advance discussions on a regional co-investment framework," Mr Sharma said.
"This framework has the potential to enable superannuation funds across the South Pacific to pool resources and invest collectively in major infrastructure and development projects."
"Through collaboration, funds can diversify their investment portfolios, mitigate risk, and unlock opportunities that may generate sustainable long-term returns for their members while contributing to economic growth across the region."
Mr Sharma added that regional partnerships and collaborative investment approaches continue to play an important role in supporting economic resilience, strengthening financial markets, and creating lasting value for Pacific communities.
Nasfund remains committed to exploring investment opportunities that deliver sustainable returns for members while supporting the broader development of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.
GOROKA, Eastern Highlands Province
National Superannuation Fund Limited (Nasfund) has launched an intensive regional engagement drive across the Highlands this week, focusing on employer recognition, corporate compliance, and frontline member service delivery in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.
As part of the week’s activities, representatives from the Port Moresby Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement team joined the Highlands Regional Team Leader Mr Pagel Yawani who traveled in from Mt. Hagen to conduct business visits across the province. A major highlight was the on-site presentation of the 2025 Nasfund Employer Award – CEO’s Award (2nd Runner-Up) to the management and staff of Seng Da Trading Limited, recognizing their exemplary record in timely contributions and superannuation compliance.
From left: Nasfund Goroka Branch officer in charge Dessie Livuan and (4th from left) Mr Pagel Yawani, Regional Team Leader Highlands presenting the 2025 Nasfund Employer Award – CEO’s Award (2nd Runner-Up) to the management and staff of Seng Da Trading Limited.
Nasfund Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Sharma, emphasized that direct regional outreach remains vital to ensuring superannuation education and fostering strong relationships with participating employers.
"Our annual Employer Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate leadership by prioritizing the retirement readiness of their staff. Seng Da Trading Limited has set a strong standard for compliance and employee welfare in the Highlands region," said Mr. Sharma. "Nasfund remains committed to bringing services closer to our members and supporting local businesses through consistent engagement, superannuation education, and accessible digital and mobile channels."
During the provincial outreach, Regional Team Leader Pagel Yawani also officially introduced the new leadership team for the Goroka Branch: Dessie Livuan as the Officer in Charge (OIC), supported by Rolland Mell as Second in Charge (2IC).
"We are excited to introduce Dessie Livuan and Rolland Mell as our frontline leadership team in Eastern Highlands," Mr. Yawani stated. "Their appointment strengthens our local operational capability and ensures our members and employers receive prompt, high-quality assistance."
From right: Mr Pagel Yawani, Nasfund Regional Team Leader Highlands, Rolland Mell as Second in Charge of Nasfund Goroka Branch, BNBM representative Alyson Peterson and Dessie Livuan Goroka Branch Officer in Charge (OIC) during the provincial outreach this week.
The week-long provincial engagement will culminate at the Eastern Highlands 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival, where the popular Nasfund Mobile Service booth will be open to members and the general public on Friday 28th August and Saturday 28th August.
Services available at the booth include:
Nasfund encourages all members, employers, and locals to visit the booth this weekend to access direct superannuation services and meet the new Goroka branch team.
As of June 30, 2026, the Fund's net assets stood at K10.25 billion, a significant increase from the K9.45 billion recorded at the end of 2025.
Nasfund Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Sharma, stated that this achievement reflects the Fund's prudent financial management, strong governance practices, and unwavering commitment to protecting and growing members' retirement savings.
"Reaching over K10 billion in the first six months of 2026 is a testament to our continued growth and financial resilience in a dynamic economic environment," Mr. Sharma said. "We are delighted to share this milestone with our stakeholders, especially our members, whose trust and confidence make this possible."
Mr. Sharma noted that this exceptional growth was driven by several key factors, including strong returns from a diversified investment portfolio, consistent member and employer contributions, and disciplined cost management.
"Crossing the K10 billion mark reflects our robust governance frameworks, expanding membership base, and focus on operational efficiency. It is also a direct result of the commitment of our contributing employers and the hard work of our dedicated Nasfund team," he added.
Nasfund’s 2026 half-year report highlights positive momentum across all areas of the business.
Key performance indicators include:
Mr. Sharma concluded by acknowledging the invaluable support of all partners. "I thank our employers, members, stakeholders, and the hardworking employees of Nasfund. This milestone reinforces our goal to ensure all members are ready for tomorrow."
PORT MORESBY: With urban migration putting increased pressure on housing in centers like Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen, and Kokopo, Nasfund has reintroduced its virtual member education sessions this August. The move underscores the Fund's commitment to digital innovation while proactively responding to member concerns.
Running throughout the month, the free online sessions focus specifically on the Housing Advance product. The digital initiative has already seen strong engagement, with recent campaign data showing that 63% of participants are actively requesting longer discussions and additional resources.
Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma, who also serves as President of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG), emphasized that the Fund's digital innovation must be backed by practical and modernized legislation.
"The feedback we are getting from these virtual sessions directly mirrors the concerns raised by members right across the industry," Sharma said.
"We strongly support ASFPNG’s call for the Government to prioritize these long-standing reforms. The industry stands ready to work collaboratively with the Government to implement meaningful changes that improve member outcomes."
While the digital platform successfully guides members through eligibility requirements and documentation, it has continually exposed widespread frustrations with the current laws governing superannuation in PNG.
Members frequently question why they are limited to two advances, and why a second advance is strictly capped at the amount of the first.
“That is why we conduct sessions not only online but as awareness to our members, Nasfund is a authorised superannuation fund governed by the Superannuation Act of 2002,” Sharma added.
Nasfund Head of Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, Melanie Lavaki, noted that leveraging technology is successfully broadening the Fund's reach and enhancing superannuation literacy efforts.
"Reintroducing these virtual sessions has noticeably increased awareness across all our communication channels," Lavaki said.
"Our branches remain crucial to how we operate, but these online sessions complement our physical engagements perfectly."
Members interested in learning more about the Housing Advance product are encouraged to participate in the virtual sessions and engage with the member service team for ongoing guidance.
PORT MORESBY - Securing a comfortable retirement should be achievable for every hardworking Papua New Guinean. Whether employed in the public or private sector, working for a small business, self-employed, or earning an income in the informal economy, everyone should have access to superannuation. Speaking on behalf of Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma at the recent Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) and International Labour Organization (ILO) partnership workshop, Nasfund Head of Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement Melanie Lavaki highlighted the importance of extending retirement coverage to all workers.
The three-day workshop, Training for Trainers on Organising Methods, Strategies and Practices, focused on strengthening awareness of national policies, legislation and social protection measures for informal workers, while exploring ways trade unions can better organise and support the sector.
During Session XII: The Present and Future of Social Protection in PNG, Lavaki addressed the misconception that superannuation is only for workers in large formal organisations. While contributions are mandatory for larger employers, businesses with fewer than 15 employees and individuals can also save for retirement through voluntary contributions.
She highlighted Eda Supa, Nasfund's voluntary superannuation product, which is available to workers in both the formal and informal sectors, including self-employed individuals and non-citizens.
"Our aspiration at Nasfund is to see legislative reforms make superannuation access a mandatory right for every worker in PNG," Lavaki said.
She encouraged union representatives to promote superannuation as a source of replacement income in retirement, helping workers focus not only on when they retire, but on achieving meaningful long-term financial goals.
Lavaki also shared recommendations recently put forward by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG), led by Nasfund CEO and ASFPNG President Rajeev Sharma. The recommendations called for include:
• Universal superannuation coverage, including informal economy workers.• Stronger protection of worker contributions and greater employer accountability.• Improved superannuation literacy and preservation of retirement savings.
By advocating for broader superannuation coverage and stronger retirement protections, Nasfund continues to support a future where every worker in Papua New Guinea can retire with dignity.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea calls upon the Government to urgently progress the long-standing reforms required to strengthen retirement security, protect workers’ savings and support the stability of Papua New Guinea’s financial system.
Papua New Guinea’s superannuation industry has developed into one of the country’s largest and most important pools of long-term domestic savings. These savings belong to workers and their families and must be managed prudently, transparently and in the best interests of members.
However, significant policy, legislative and taxation issues affecting superannuation members remain unresolved despite extensive consultations, industry submissions and formal reviews conducted over many years.
The Superannuation and Life Insurance Review Report
ASFPNG notes that the Superannuation and Life Insurance Review was established to examine many of the issues now being raised by the industry, including:
The resulting Superannuation and Life Insurance Review Report is understood to be before the Treasurer.
ASFPNG is concerned that the report has remained without visible implementation for an extended period, while the problems it was intended to address continue to affect workers, employers, superannuation funds and the broader economy. The Government should advise the industry and the public of:
1. the present status of the report;
2. the recommendations accepted or rejected by Government;
3. the legislation and regulations proposed to implement accepted recommendations; and
4. the timetable for progressing the reforms.
The review process involved considerable public and private-sector resources. Its findings should not be permitted to remain inactive or effectively collect dust while the retirement security of Papua New Guinean workers remains exposed.
ASFPNG President and Nasfund Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rajeev Sharma, said the industry remained ready to assist Government to translate the review recommendations into practical reforms.
“The industry has participated in extensive consultations and has repeatedly placed its concerns and proposed solutions before Government. “The priority now must be implementation. Further delay will continue to reduce the retirement outcomes of members and weaken confidence in the reform process.”
Priority areas for reform
1. Universal superannuation coverage
A large proportion of working Papua New Guineans remain outside the compulsory superannuation system.
Many employees working for small businesses and organisations employing fewer than 15 people do not receive the same statutory retirement protection as workers employed by larger organisations.
ASFPNG supports the principle of “Super for All”, under which compulsory superannuation coverage would be progressively extended to all eligible workers, regardless of the number of people employed by their employer.
Consideration should also be given to removing unnecessary waiting periods and requiring contributions to commence from the beginning of employment.
Employment in a small business should not mean that a worker receives less protection in retirement.
2. Adequate employer and employee contributions
The statutory employer contribution rate of 8.4 per cent has remained unchanged for many years.
ASFPNG supports a properly researched and phased review of contribution rates, having regard to:
Any adjustment should be introduced gradually and in consultation with employers, workers, Government and the superannuation industry.
3. Preservation of retirement savings
Frequent or substantial early withdrawals can significantly reduce a member’s final retirement benefit.
A member loses not only the amount withdrawn but also the compound investment earnings that amount would otherwise have generated over the remaining working life of the member.
ASFPNG supports a review of unemployment withdrawal provisions, including consideration of limiting unemployment withdrawals to the member’s employee-funded component while preserving the employer-funded component for retirement, subject to appropriate hardship protections.
Government and industry should also consider complementary arrangements, including:
Retirement savings should not be required to perform the function of every other form of social protection.
4. Reduction of the tax on superannuation investment income
The current 25 per cent tax imposed on superannuation investment income materially affects the returns ultimately credited to members.
Superannuation funds must generate returns sufficient to meet operating costs, taxation and inflation before members receive any meaningful real growth in their retirement savings.
ASFPNG therefore calls for the tax rate applying to superannuation investment income to be reviewed and progressively reduced to a level that is regionally competitive and consistent with the national objective of improving retirement outcomes.
5. Target-based retirement planning
Retirement planning should not focus only on whether a person intends to retire at 50, 55, 60 or 65 years of age.
Members must also understand the amount of savings they will require to maintain an acceptable standard of living after retirement.
Inflation means that the cost of housing, food, transport, healthcare and other essential needs will continue to rise.
ASFPNG will continue to encourage its member organisations to strengthen:
The objective should be to move public understanding from simply asking, “What is my account balance today?” to asking, “What income will my savings provide throughout my retirement?”
6. Housing advance reform
Housing remains an important part of retirement security.
ASFPNG supports a review of the rules governing housing advances, including advances for housing constructed on customary land.
The current restriction linking a subsequent housing advance to the amount of an earlier advance should also be reconsidered.
A member’s eligibility should more appropriately reflect:
7. Prudential investment in national development
Superannuation funds are significant institutional investors in Papua New Guinea.
Their investments in government securities, domestic companies, banks, property, infrastructure and other sectors contribute to economic stability, employment and national development.
ASFPNG supports the development of appropriate investment instruments that may allow members to participate indirectly in PNG’s resource and infrastructure growth.
However, every investment must satisfy strict requirements relating to:
Superannuation savings must not be treated as an automatic source of funding for projects that have not met proper commercial, legal and prudential standards.
Proposed garnishee powers over customer bank accounts
ASFPNG is also concerned about recent proposed tax amendments that would expand the Internal Revenue Commission’s ability to garnish or recover funds directly from customer bank accounts in circumstances that may override or impair a bank’s existing mortgage, security or contractual rights.
ASFPNG supports the proper collection of lawfully assessed taxes. However, tax recovery mechanisms must be carefully designed so that they do not unintentionally undermine the stability of the banking and financial system.
Where statutory garnishee rights take priority over a bank’s mortgage or security interests, the potential consequences may include:
These consequences would not be confined to banks.
Superannuation funds are significant investors in PNG’s banking institutions. Any measure that materially affects bank profitability, asset quality, capital requirements or dividend capacity may also affect the investment returns ultimately credited to superannuation members.
ASFPNG therefore supports the concerns raised by the banking industry and calls for the proposed amendments to be subjected to full consultation with:
Tax enforcement should be effective, but it should not displace legitimate secured-creditor rights without a clear assessment of the consequences for lending, financial stability, investment returns and the wider economy.
Priority status for unpaid employer superannuation contributions
ASFPNG is further concerned about money deducted from employees, or otherwise legally payable by employers, that is not remitted to the relevant superannuation fund.
These amounts are not ordinary commercial debts.
They represent statutory retirement entitlements earned by employees and held or payable for their benefit.
Where the State is reviewing the hierarchy or statutory priority of payments to government institutions, creditors or other bodies, unpaid superannuation contributions should be afforded a high priority.
This should apply particularly in cases involving:
Amounts owed to superannuation funds for the benefit of employees should rank ahead of ordinary unsecured commercial debts and should receive appropriate statutory protection against competing claims.
Employer contributions are part of an employee’s remuneration and retirement entitlement. Failure to remit those contributions deprives workers of both the original amount and the investment earnings that would have accrued over time.
ASFPNG therefore calls for stronger measures to:
A coordinated national response
The issues affecting retirement savings cannot be addressed by superannuation funds alone.
ASFPNG calls for structured engagement involving:
ASFPNG also requests a formal update on the status of previous industry submissions, the Superannuation and Life Insurance Review Report and the reform measures proposed under the taxation and superannuation legislation.
Mr Sharma said the reforms were ultimately about protecting workers and their families.
“Behind every superannuation account is a person, a family and a future.
“Decisions made today about coverage, contributions, taxation, withdrawals, employer compliance, secured lending and investment policy will determine whether our people retire with financial security or remain vulnerable in their later years.
“ASFPNG stands ready to work constructively with Government, regulators, employers, banks and workers to develop a fair, sustainable and inclusive retirement-income system.”
ASFPNG reaffirms that its first responsibility is to support a safe, sustainable and member-focused superannuation system. The Association will continue advocating for reforms that:
Mr. Rajeev Sharma
President
Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea Inc. (ASFPNG) Email: info@asfpng.org | Tel: +675 320 2000
Speaking at the Finance in Resources & Energy session of the 2026 PNG CORE Resources Week, Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma outlined how the fund is assessing investment structures that could support member returns, maintain liquidity, and enable broader participation in Papua New Guinea's resource and infrastructure growth.
Sharma said superannuation funds face the ongoing challenge of balancing long-term growth opportunities with the need to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet member benefit payments. With approximately 10% of Nasfund's membership withdrawing their funds each year, liquidity remains a critical consideration in the fund's investment mandate.
He explained that Papua New Guinea's long-term inflation rate trends at approximately 5%. After accounting for the 25% tax rate applied to superannuation income and standard fund expense ratios of approximately 1%, a superannuation fund must achieve returns of around 7% simply to preserve purchasing power and approximately 8% to meet the mandate of CPI plus return.
These return and liquidity requirements are prompting consideration of investment structures that would enable participation in major resource and infrastructure projects while maintaining prudent risk management and liquidity.
Mr. Sharma further stated that staged investment approaches would allow superannuation funds to provide financing during project development and participate in equity ownership once projects become operational.
“A loan-to-equity approach allows us to support major projects in a way that is properly staged, properly risk-managed, and aligned with our obligations to members,” Sharma said.
Convertible bonds were cited as one example, providing interest income during construction before conversion to equity at commercial operation. The potential use of tax-free infrastructure bonds was also noted, with favourable tax treatment capable of improving member returns while supporting investment in national development projects. Sharma added that the successful listing of Papua New Guinea's first corporate bond signals growing depth in the country's capital markets and the potential for additional investment instruments in the future.
All such investments would continue to operate within Nasfund's established governance framework and statutory investment limits, including current restrictions that limit exposure to any single entity to no more than 5% of the fund's total portfolio.
Sharma said superannuation funds have the potential to provide a pathway for ordinary Papua New Guineans to participate indirectly in the country's resource and infrastructure growth through their retirement savings, allowing members across the country to benefit from investment returns generated by major projects.
He also noted that certain resource-related investments have defined project life cycles, requiring fund managers to plan for the orderly recovery of capital over the life of the investment to ensure fairness between current and future contributors.
Nasfund supports initiatives aimed at increasing local participation in resource and infrastructure financing and remains open to discussions with government, regulators and industry stakeholders on investment opportunities that meet the fund's governance, risk, liquidity and return requirements.
Legislative reform is needed to improve superannuation balances and strengthen the long-term financial security of Papua New Guineans, Nasfund said.
Speaking at the Finance in Resources & Energy session during 2026 PNG CORE Resources Week, Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma outlined four areas for consideration under a review of the Superannuation (General Provisions) Act 2000. He outlined four specific areas for consideration under a review of the Superannuation (General Provisions) Act 2000.
Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Sharma, said, "Legislative change is required to increase superannuation balances for individuals, so that every member has a decent retirement fund when he or she needs it. This is about the long-term financial security of working Papua New Guineans."
The four areas Sharma identified were:
Sharma said the proposals have already been put forward on behalf of superannuation members and remain important policy considerations for improving superannuation balances over time. He said the fund continues to engage with Government, regulators and industry stakeholders and looks forward to feedback and action on the recommendations.
Sharma's comments were part of a broader address on the role of superannuation funds in supporting long-term financial security for members while contributing to national economic development.
Planning for retirement should focus not only on when members want to retire, but also on how much they will need to maintain their desired lifestyle, Nasfund says. The fund highlighted the importance of target-based retirement planning during the Finance in Resources & Energy session at the 2026 PNG Resources Week.
Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Rajeev Sharma said members often set retirement goals around a specific age, such as 50, 55 or 60, without identifying the level of savings required to support their desired lifestyle after leaving the workforce. Aligning a retirement age with a savings target provides a clearer and more realistic pathway to long-term financial security.
Sharma said inflation is one of the most important factors members should consider when setting retirement savings targets. For example, a member requiring K1,000 per month in living expenses today could need approximately K2,500 per month in 30 years' time to maintain the same standard of living.
"Retirement planning should be about a target amount, not just a target age. Members need to understand the amount they'll need, and how inflation affects that amount over time, so they can plan a retirement that actually works."
Helping members accumulate sufficient savings for retirement remains a core focus for Nasfund. Achieving this requires both disciplined investment management by the fund and informed financial planning by members throughout their working lives.
With a membership base spanning multiple age groups, including many members approaching retirement, Nasfund's investment decisions must balance reliable liquidity and cash flow needs with opportunities for long-term growth.
This balanced approach supports members nearing retirement while continuing to deliver sustainable returns for younger members building their savings over time. Approximately 65 per cent of Nasfund's total portfolio is currently invested in Papua New Guinea, reflecting the fund's commitment to generating value for members while contributing to national economic development.
Sharma's comments were part of a broader address to the Finance in Resources & Energy session, hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), on the role of superannuation funds in supporting long-term financial security for members while contributing to national economic development.
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