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Osvaldo Macías, after the fall of the E fund: The regulator fulfilled its duty to warn the AFP repeatedly
CL🏛️ PoliticsCenteryesterday

Osvaldo Macías, after the fall of the E fund: The regulator fulfilled its duty to warn the AFP repeatedly

The article discusses the significant decline in returns recorded by the E fund managed by Chile’s AFPs (Pension Funds), which fell by 4.92% in September and accumulated a 10.39% drop year-to-date. The decline is attributed to rising U.S. interest rates, which negatively impacted bond returns, combined with an investment strategy involving interest rate derivatives adopted by the AFPs, specifically swaps, which extended the duration of the E fund and worsened returns. Former Superintendant of Pensions Osvaldo Macías, who served for a decade before resigning in March, stated that he repeatedly warned the AFPs about these investments but they did not reduce their exposure. He emphasized that the regulator fulfilled its duty by issuing repeated warnings through both meetings and written communications. Macías noted that while the regulator acted appropriately, the AFPs now need to explain why they did not adjust their strategies despite the warnings. He also highlighted that the E fund was designed to transition individuals toward retirement, with portfolio durations aligned to life expectancy, and questioned whether the AFPs’ decision to expose the fund to such derivatives was risky.

Former Pension Superintendent Osvaldo Macias has publicly challenged the current administration’s narrative regarding the substantial losses in the conservative Fund E of Chile’s private pension funds. Speaking to Radio Agricultura on October 20, 2026, Macias argued that the regulatory measures designed to mitigate risk were fully prepared during his tenure, contradicting claims by senior government officials who attributed the corrective actions to the new leadership. He stated that there was a factual error in the statements made by Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado and Finance Minister Daniel Mas. Both ministers had recently asserted that the necessary steps to address the crisis were taken immediately after the change in government. Macias countered that the specific regulation limiting exposure to derivatives was finalized on March 10, months before he was removed from his position. The controversy centers on the performance of Fund E, which recorded a decline of 4.92 percent in September alone. By the end of that month, the fund had accumulated a real-term drop of 10.39 percent for the year. Although the fund began to recover slightly in October, gaining 1.69 percent in real terms by mid-month, the initial plunge sparked intense political and economic debate. The primary drivers of this loss included rising interest rates in the United States, which negatively impacted fixed-income investments globally. However, a specific factor exacerbated the damage for Chilean pension administrators: their high exposure to interest rate swaps. These financial instruments extended the duration of their portfolios beyond what was required to match the liability profile of life annuities. Macias explained that he detected these risks early in 2024 and repeatedly warned the pension fund administrators about the elevated level of risk in their holdings. According to him, the warnings were issued both in written form and during in-person meetings, yet the administrators did not reduce their exposure. Consequently, his team drafted a normative framework to limit the use of derivative instruments in Fund E. This draft was completed on March 10, 2026. Macias was dismissed from his role on March 15, and his successor, Joaquin Cortez, assumed office shortly thereafter. The regulation was eventually promulgated on April 9. Macias maintained that the document signed into law was identical to the one ready weeks prior, suggesting that the credit given to the new superintendent was inaccurate. He noted that another broader regulation had been under public consultation between February 16 and 22 but could not be enacted due to a high volume of objections received. Government officials have offered a different account of the timeline. Last week, Minister Mas stated that the losses originated from decisions made by the previous government, which were corrected upon the arrival of the new administration. He warned that without these corrections, the effects would have been significantly worse. Similarly, Minister Alvarado claimed that Cortez adopted necessary actions immediately upon taking charge to warn of problems generated over previous years and instructed the administrators to reduce their risk exposure. Macias rejected this version, stating that the ministers likely lacked sufficient information. He emphasized that the regulator fulfilled its duty by providing clear signals to the administrators to modify their strategies. He declined to judge the administrators directly but insisted they must explain to the affiliates why they ignored repeated warnings and maintained risky positions. The Central Bank of Chile confirmed that it had also raised concerns about these exposures. In its Financial Stability Reports for the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026, the central bank noted that while the growth in pension fund positions in interest rate swaps had moderated compared to previous years, the levels remained high. The bank highlighted that the gross position increased the funds' exposure to the long end of the yield curve. It further clarified that the recent regulations issued by the Pension Superintendent incorporated new exposure limits and liquidity requirements to mitigate financial stability risks associated with margin calls. The central bank added that the domestic financial market had operated normally in recent months, showing trends similar to international markets without disruptions in price formation. Experts have analyzed how these losses affect individuals nearing retirement. Mauricio Larrain, former commissioner of the Financial Market Commission and professor at the University of the Andes, pointed out that focusing solely on the balance is insufficient. The cost of purchasing a life annuity is equally critical. When interest rates rise, the price of a life annuity decreases, meaning the same savings can purchase a larger monthly pension. Conversely, falling rates make annuities more expensive. Ideally, the duration of the pension fund should match the duration of the annuity to hedge against volatility. However, this alignment has broken down. While Fund E fell by approximately 10 percent through September, the cost of buying a life annuity dropped by less than 2 percent. This mismatch means that retirees facing immediate payout options may see lower effective pensions despite the technical recovery of some assets. Jaime Casassus, a professor at the University of Chile’s Institute of Economics, described two competing forces in this equation. He advised that looking only at fund returns provides an incomplete picture. For those needing to retire soon, advisors suggest avoiding hasty changes to higher-risk funds, which could lock in losses irreversibly. Instead, opting for programmed withdrawal allows individuals to wait for potential market recovery. Data indicates that the value quota for Fund E rose nominally by 2.6 percent in three weeks of October. Additionally, the interest rate for programmed withdrawals increased to 3.67 percent starting October 1, up from 3.31 percent earlier in the year. This combination offers a partial compensation for the earlier decline. As of June, 774,243 people were affiliated with Fund E, with the majority aged between 30 and 45. The more conservative Fund D, which saw a 6.38 percent drop, holds nearly 1.6 million affiliates, almost 40 percent of whom are over 60. The Pension Superintendent has announced the initiation of sanction proceedings against all seven pension fund administrators regarding their investment decisions.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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6 reports

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 85yesterday
Osvaldo Macías responds to Alvarado and Mas for losses in the E Fund and ensures that measures were worked during the previous administration

Osvaldo Macías, former head of Chile's Pension Superintendence, criticized ministers Daniel Mas and Claudio Alvarado for their claims regarding responsibility for losses in the Fondo E fund managed by private pension administrators (AFP). The ministers stated that measures were taken under the current administration to address risks in the fund, but Macías argued these actions had been planned months earlier during his tenure. He emphasized that regulations limiting derivative instruments in the Fondo E were ready in March 2026 before he was replaced by Joaquín Cortez. Macías claimed the new regulations announced in April were identical to those prepared in March, suggesting the current government did not introduce new policies. He also noted that a broader regulation was drafted in February but delayed due to feedback. Macías served under multiple administrations, including Michelle Bachelet, Sebastián Piñera, and Gabriel Boric, and was removed after supporting a previous government’s pension reform.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the claims made by the current ministers and the counterarguments from Osvaldo Macías, providing a balanced view of the dispute over responsibility for the Fondo E losses. It does not favor one side over the other and includes direct quotes from both parties involved.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the 4.92% drop in September and the 10.39% annual decline in Fondo E. It explains the role of U.S. interest rates and derivative exposure, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It also references statements from Osvaldo Macías and the timeline of regulatory actio

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone overall, presenting the dispute between former and current officials without taking sides. However, it includes direct quotes from Macías that may subtly critique the current administration’s handling of the issue.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 852 days ago
The fall of the AFP E Fund: how it impacts new pensions via life annuities

The Fondo E of Chile’s AFPs (Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones) has experienced a significant decline, dropping by 4.92% in September and accumulating a 10.39% real decrease year-to-date. While there has been some recovery in October, the controversy surrounding the fund’s performance continues. The drop is attributed partly to increased U.S. interest rates, which negatively impacted fixed-income investments globally. Additionally, AFPs’ high exposure to interest rate swaps in the U.S. extended their portfolio durations beyond what was appropriate for funding lifetime pensions. Authorities had previously warned about such risks. This situation raises concerns about how these financial challenges might affect future retirees who plan to purchase lifetime annuities. Experts argue that while savings at retirement are important, the cost of purchasing an annuity, determined by prevailing interest rates, is equally critical. Lower interest rates increase the price of annuities, resulting in smaller pensions for the same amount saved.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of economic factors affecting pension funds, including expert opinions from both academic and regulatory perspectives. It does not favor one side but rather explains the complexities of the issue without overtly promoting any political viewpoint.

Why factuality (90): This article accurately reports the 4.92% drop in September and the 10.39% annual decline in Fondo E. It also highlights the role of interest rate increases in the U.S. and the exposure to derivatives, which aligns with the cross-source consensus. It mentions regulatory warnings from the BC and SP,

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely objective but slightly emphasizes the risks associated with the AFPs’ investment strategies, potentially leaning toward criticism of their decisions. However, it does not overtly take sides and presents multiple perspectives.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 806 days ago
Fall of Fund E: Central Bank says it warned of risks in AFP's investments in derivatives

The Fondo E managed by Chile’s AFPs (pension funds) experienced a decline of 4.92% in September, accumulating a 10.39% drop in real terms over the year. This decrease was driven by rising U.S. interest rates, which negatively impacted fixed-income investments held by the AFPs. However, a significant portion of this loss is attributed to the high exposure of AFPs to interest rate derivatives, particularly swaps. The Central Bank of Chile had previously warned about these risks through its Financial Stability Reports and inter-institutional coordination efforts. While the bank noted that the domestic financial market has behaved similarly to international markets without major disruptions, it emphasized that AFPs’ positions in long-term dollar-denominated interest rate derivatives remain elevated, increasing their vulnerability to increases in long-end yield curves. New regulatory measures introduced by the Superintendencia de Pensiones aim to mitigate liquidity risks associated with derivative operations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, citing the Central Bank’s warnings and the impact of AFP investment strategies without overtly favoring any side. It includes direct quotes from the Central Bank and explains both the causes of the fund’s decline and the regulatory responses,

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the 4.92% drop in Fund E in September and the 10.39% annual decline, citing the impact of U.S. interest rates and exposure to interest rate derivatives. It also correctly attributes the Bank of Chile’s warnings to official statements from the central bank, referencing

Why objectivity (80): The article presents facts neutrally but includes some interpretive phrasing such as 'pronunciada baja' (pronounced decrease) and 'polémica' (controversy), which may imply judgment. The tone remains largely objective, though slightly leaning toward emphasizing the controversy around the fund’s perfo

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 706 days ago
Osvaldo Macías, after the fall of the E fund: The regulator fulfilled its duty to warn the AFP repeatedly

The article discusses the significant decline in returns recorded by the E fund managed by Chile’s AFPs (Pension Funds), which fell by 4.92% in September and accumulated a 10.39% drop year-to-date. The decline is attributed to rising U.S. interest rates, which negatively impacted bond returns, combined with an investment strategy involving interest rate derivatives adopted by the AFPs, specifically swaps, which extended the duration of the E fund and worsened returns. Former Superintendant of Pensions Osvaldo Macías, who served for a decade before resigning in March, stated that he repeatedly warned the AFPs about these investments but they did not reduce their exposure. He emphasized that the regulator fulfilled its duty by issuing repeated warnings through both meetings and written communications. Macías noted that while the regulator acted appropriately, the AFPs now need to explain why they did not adjust their strategies despite the warnings. He also highlighted that the E fund was designed to transition individuals toward retirement, with portfolio durations aligned to life expectancy, and questioned whether the AFPs’ decision to expose the fund to such derivatives was risky.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, quoting former regulator Osvaldo Macías who emphasizes the regulatory body's repeated warnings to the AFPs. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather outlines the sequence of events and perspectives from involved parties without顯

Why factuality (80): The article provides accurate details about the 4.92% drop in Fund E and the role of interest rate derivatives. It correctly references Osvaldo Macías’ tenure at the regulator and his claims about repeated warnings to AFPs. However, it lacks specific citations to primary sources beyond quotes from M

Why objectivity (70): The article has a more subjective tone due to direct quotes from Osvaldo Macías, who frames the situation as a failure of AFPs despite regulatory warnings. This framing introduces a perspective that leans toward defending the regulator, reducing overall neutrality.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 85yesterday
AFP's E Fund collapse: What should I do today if I want to retire? Life annuity or scheduled retirement?

The Fondo E of Chile's AFPs has experienced a significant decline of 4.92% in September, accumulating a 10.39% drop in real terms over the year. Although there has been some recovery this month, the controversy surrounding the fund's performance continues. The decline is attributed partly to high exposure to interest rate derivatives, particularly swaps in the U.S., which extended the duration of their portfolios beyond what is suitable for a lifetime annuity. The Central Bank and the Superintendencia de Pensiones had previously warned about such risks, and now the latter has initiated disciplinary actions against the seven AFPs for their investment decisions. While the Fondo E is chosen voluntarily by fewer people, around 774,243 as of June, the Fondo D, which has seen a 6.38% drop, has more retirees approaching retirement age. Advisors caution against making hasty decisions, suggesting options like programmed retirement while waiting for market recovery.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the financial performance of pension funds and regulatory responses without overtly favoring any political side. It includes perspectives from advisors and regulatory bodies but does not exhibit clear bias toward either positive or negative outcomes.

Why factuality (75): The article cites specific financial data (4.92% drop in September, 10.39% annual decline, 2.11% recovery by Oct 18) and attributes the cause to interest rate hikes and derivative exposure (swaps). It mentions regulatory warnings from the BC and SP and the initiation of sanction processes. While the

Why objectivity (85): The tone is largely informative and analytical. It uses standard journalistic phrasing ('ojo del huracan', 'desplome') which adds slight dramatic flair but remains within acceptable bounds for financial reporting. It presents the regulatory actions and market factors neutrally without taking a stron

BioBioChile logoBioBioChileIndependentCenterFactual 30Objective 40yesterday
Former superintendent offers to cooperate with justice over AFP losses and rebate government version

The article discusses an ongoing legal process involving the former superintendant of the Chilean pension fund administrator (AFP), who has offered to cooperate with justice regarding losses linked to the AFP. The piece emphasizes that charges against the individual may be dismissed once the investigation concludes, and therefore, the accused should not be presumed guilty until a court issues a verdict. The article includes general warnings and resources related to violence against women, suicide support, private transportation regulations, and scientific research.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a legal case involving a former official and mentions cooperation with the judiciary but does not exhibit clear bias toward any political side. It provides standard disclaimers about the legal process and includes general informational resources unrelated to a

Why factuality (30): The article contains very little factual information about the Fondo E decline. It states that the story is 'in development' and provides no clear details about the legal process or the nature of the charges. This lack of specificity prevents any meaningful assessment of its accuracy relative to the

Why objectivity (40): The article is highly biased in tone, warning readers about potential legal outcomes and including unrelated alerts about violence and suicide. These elements distract from the main subject and introduce unnecessary emotional weight.

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