Which financial intermediary primarily provides pension benefit payments?

A pension fund is the correct answer because it is specifically established to accumulate and manage funds for retirement benefits. Pension funds collect contributions from employers and employees during their working lives and then use these funds to provide regular benefit payments to retirees once they reach retirement age. This mechanism ensures that individuals receive a stable income during their retirement years, fulfilling the primary purpose of a pension fund.

In contrast, mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities, focusing on investment returns rather than providing specific benefit payments. Insurance companies offer products that can include retirement savings or annuities, but their primary function is risk management and coverage against unforeseen events rather than providing planned retirement income. Finance companies primarily focus on offering loans and credit to consumers and businesses, and they do not typically manage pension benefits. This delineation makes it clear that the pension fund is the financial intermediary designed to provide pension benefit payments.