The Dutch Occupational Pension Fund for Veterinarians (SPD) has reported that initial assessments show that its transition to the new Dutch pension system was successful, but noted that the process is still ongoing.

SPD switched to the new pension system on the 1 January 2026 and saw more than 9,000 members moving to a flexible premium scheme as part of the change.

The fund has paid out the first pensions in the new Dutch pension system, but explained that the actual pension implementation in the new system is just beginning.

In the coming months, additional processes and functionalities will be implemented step by step and one of the features, a participant portal, will be opened, allowing retired participants to choose between a variable or fixed benefit.

Following this, all processes will be audited to ensure pension implementation is controlled, including aftercare and checks by certified parties.

This is aimed at ensuring the correct collection, payment, and investment of contributions in accordance with the new scheme.

By working together, SPD, Achmea Pension Services and Achmea Investment Management are taking the next step towards stable and reliable pension provision for all SPD participants.

Commenting, Veterinary Pension Fund Foundation chairman, Danse Sonneveld, said: “We are very satisfied with the result achieved. More than 9,000 veterinarians' surviving relatives are participating in a flexible scheme that better suits their needs. For us, the participant is always central. We will continue to listen to the needs of our participants and ensure that they can rely on a stable and future-proof pension provision."

Adding to this, Achema divisional chairman of pensions, Tom Bottinga, expressed Achema’s appreciation to everyone who contributed to the transition.

“The transition to the new system is complex. Thanks to good cooperation, we have achieved this together with SPD. A very nice and important milestone. Thanks to the new scheme, participants will have more control over their own pensions, exactly as the new system intends,” Bottinga said.

Achema Investment Management chairman of the board, Maureen Schlejen, commented: "We congratulate the SPD on the transition to the flexible contribution scheme. The successful entry into the new pension system is the result of a lengthy and careful preparation process. We are proud of the cooperation and thank SPD for their trust. Together, we have laid a solid foundation for a future-proof pension for the SPD participants."

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