This paper proposes an approach to classifying and measuring the primary elements of private pension supervision, and undertakes an evaluation using a representative set of countries. The analysis considers how supervision methods and style relate to the basic design of pension systems, and the broader environment in which they operate. Supervisory systems are shown to include six main elements, with considerable variation among systems in the scope, and intensity of activities within each element. The analysis concludes that there are discernible relationships between supervisory methods, and the context in which they are applied. The level of economic development, depth of capital markets, underlying legal framework presence of mandates, and number of funds supervised are found to be associated with depth, and intensity of supervision activities. These findings support the principle that the organization, and management of private pension supervision is significantly derived from the context, and environment in which these systems operate.