California’s Public Employees’ Retirement System holds the title of the largest public pension fund in the country, managing substantial assets on behalf of millions of public workers. With its significant influence over investments and financial markets, the fund plays a critical role in shaping economic policies and retirement security across the state. Its operations and decisions often draw scrutiny over sustainability, governance, and long-term funding challenges. Understanding its scale and impact offers key insights into how public pensions function at a national level.


The California Public Employees' Retirement System is the largest public pension fund in the United States.