Belgian fintech company Easyvest, renowned for its innovative pension planning and investment management services, has announced the successful closure of a €13 million fundraising round. The investment, secured through Belfius Insurance and the Belgian sovereign fund SFPIM, marks a significant step forward in improving pension solutions for Belgian employees. This funding will help Easyvest further its mission of providing comprehensive pension products that cater to the evolving needs of individuals and businesses.

Responding to Belgium's Pension Challenges

Belgium's pension system, which saw expenditures surpass €60 billion in 2023, faces growing pressure amid demographic shifts and increasing financial strain. The average net pension currently stands at €1,640 per month, just above the minimum wage, signaling the need for better supplementary pension options. As a result, Belgians are increasingly looking to the second and third pillars of the pension system to ensure financial stability during retirement.

Easyvest, which launched in 2016, has been addressing these societal challenges through its high-performance investment portfolios aimed at individual savings and supplementary pensions for the self-employed. Now, with the newly raised capital, the company is set to expand its offerings to include employee pension plans through a unique multi-employer fund, making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to provide pensions to their workforce.

A Game-Changing Partnership for Belgium's Pension Sector

This €13 million funding was spearheaded by Belfius Insurance and the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPIM), two pivotal players in Belgium’s pension landscape. Belfius Insurance CEO Frédéric Van der Schueren expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "The Belgian social security system is one of our country’s greatest assets, but it faces immense pressure. Belfius Insurance is committed to making a tangible difference in critical sectors like health and pensions. We see this collaboration with Easyvest as an innovative solution to improve the financial well-being of Belgian retirees."

SFPIM CEO Koen Van Loo also emphasized the importance of supporting the pension system for SMEs, a key pillar of Belgium’s economic fabric, adding, "SMEs represent nearly 50% of the economy, yet they underutilize supplementary pensions. Promoting second-pillar pensions is essential for securing long-term financial stability, and Easyvest's forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure Belgium's prosperity."

Easyvest's Pioneering Approach to Pension Planning

At the heart of Easyvest's strategy is its commitment to democratizing access to high-performing pension plans by leveraging its cutting-edge, index-based management approach. Through its multi-employer pension fund, companies of all sizes, particularly SMEs, will be able to offer ETF-based pension plans to their employees, which promise better long-term returns. The simplicity and effectiveness of Easyvest’s digital tools, combined with personalized human advice, have contributed to its rapid growth since inception.

Reflecting on the success of the fundraising round, Easyvest CEO and co-founder Matthieu Remy noted, "Our ambition has always been to help Belgians better prepare for their retirement. With Belfius Insurance and SFPIM as strategic partners, we’re better positioned than ever to achieve that goal. This partnership allows us to scale our offering, enhance our technological capabilities, and ultimately drive greater adoption of supplementary pensions across Belgium."

Expansion Plans and Future Prospects

Easyvest plans to use the newly secured funding to bolster its technological infrastructure and marketing efforts, with a focus on expanding its pension product offerings for employees. As part of this expansion, the company expects to hire around 20 new employees in the coming months to support IT development and further promote its pension services.

Belfius Insurance, a key partner in this effort, sees the collaboration as a natural extension of its efforts to innovate within Belgium’s insurance and pension markets. With a long history of supporting SMEs and individual clients, Belfius is committed to leveraging its expertise to help drive widespread adoption of Easyvest’s pension plans.

SFPIM, the Belgian sovereign fund, also recognizes the strategic importance of this partnership. By supporting Easyvest, SFPIM aims to contribute to the long-term stability of Belgium’s pension system, particularly among SMEs that have historically struggled to provide robust retirement benefits for their employees.

With this significant investment, Easyvest is well on its way to transforming the pension landscape in Belgium. The partnership with Belfius Insurance and SFPIM will not only strengthen the company’s product offerings but also ensure that more Belgians can secure a financially dignified retirement. As the need for effective pension planning continues to grow, Easyvest is positioned to be at the forefront of this critical evolution, offering a scalable and efficient solution for both individuals and businesses alike.