Autonomous pension funds are separate funds (i.e., separate institutional units) established for purposes of providing incomes on retirement for specific groups of employees which are organised, and directed, by private or public employers or jointly by the employers and their employees. These funds engage in financial transactions on their own account on financial markets and make investments by acquiring financial and non- financial assets. They do not include social security schemes organised for large sections of the community which are imposed, controlled or financed by general government.