Why GPSSA’s renewed partnership matters
The reappointment of Northern Trust by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) marks a renewed financial partnership for the UAE’s federal pension system. GPSSA, which administers pensions and social security for Emirati employees in both public and private sectors, has extended its mandate with Northern Trust through 2026. This agreement builds on a relationship that dates back to 2012.
GPSSA is a critical body in the UAE, tasked with ensuring long-term financial protection and retirement benefits. Its renewed commitment to Northern Trust reflects the custodian’s deep experience in serving asset owners, especially in the Middle East, where it has operated for nearly four decades.
Northern Trust’s focus on pension services
Approximately half of its global custody assets support pension-related accounts, and the firm has long positioned itself as a strategic partner for pension authorities seeking scalable, tailored financial solutions.
According to Kashif Khalid, head of Middle East and Africa at Northern Trust, the firm’s approach is built on evolving alongside its clients. He emphasized Northern Trust’s capacity to anticipate pension fund needs while delivering outcomes that benefit the broader population — in this case, the Emirati public.
A long-term commitment with global scope
Northern Trust has been a long-term player in the Middle East, working with sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, and family offices in addition to pension schemes. Its global reach and expertise in asset servicing are key to its appeal to pension authorities like GPSSA, which require both scale and localized understanding.
As of June 30, 2026, Northern Trust oversaw $20.0 trillion in assets under custody and $2.0 trillion in assets under management. Its presence spans 24 U.S. states, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region — a footprint that supports its growing role in global retirement finance.