The economics of complexity: complexity in the allocation of governmental authority for pensions

Are simpler governmental institutional structures generally better? This paper analyzes the effects of complexity in the allocation of government regulatory authority for pensions on various outcomes, focusing on the ease with which participants, plan sponsors, and the regulated industry have in interacting with the regulator. We argue that the less complex allocation of regulatory authority for private sector pension plans in Ireland (one regulator), compared to the United States (multiple regulators), facilitates participants and plan sponsors receiving assistance from the government in dealing with pensions issues. It does so by lowering information costs in dealing with the regulator.