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Vanguard's Digital Experience Shines in Retirement Planning

In a notable achievement, Vanguard has been recognized as the second-best digital experience provider for workplace retirement plans, according to the J.D. Power 2025 Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study. This study evaluated 18 retirement plan providers and emphasized Vanguard’s commitment to enhancing digital engagement for investors.

Lauren Valente, Managing Director of Workplace Solutions at Vanguard, affirmed, "Helping workers save for retirement is core to Vanguard's mission, and we're modernizing with purpose to deliver a digital experience that empowers workers with tools for personalized, holistic financial wellness." This statement reflects the firm's strategy of leveraging technology to create value for retirement savers.

With an overall satisfaction score of 717, Vanguard's ranking stands 27 points above the average score of its competitors. This successful outcome is attributed to various enhancements made to its digital offerings over the past year, demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Enhancements in Vanguard's Digital Experience

Vanguard's upgrade includes numerous functionalities designed to streamline and enrich the participant experience:

1. Mobile Engagement: Many users now access their retirement accounts primarily through a mobile application. The design provides a combined view of personal investments and retirement accounts, making priority information—such as balances and contribution details—readily available.

2. Simplified Navigation: Participants benefit from a streamlined interface offering one-click access to detailed account information, resulting in a more efficient user experience.

3. Redesigned Dashboards: The dashboards have been revamped to present essential account information prominently, ensuring users can quickly understand their financial standings.

4. Behavioral Finance Techniques: Vanguard employs behavioral finance strategies to offer context-driven guidance based on participants' actions and financial stages. This approach encourages informed decision-making tailored to individual needs.

5. Financial Wellness Tools: The availability of various financial tools has expanded, including an updated retirement readiness tool that enhances personalization and clarity regarding participants' financial futures.

Positive Participant Feedback

These improvements have resonated well with Vanguard's user base, with an impressive 85% of participants rating their digital experience as either a 4 or 5 out of 5. Amber Brestowski, Principal and Head of Participant Financial Success at Vanguard, stated, "We've designed our digital experience to meet participants where they are and help make them better savers and investors." This positive feedback reinforces Vanguard's ongoing commitment to supporting their clients' financial well-being through tailored digital experiences.

Methodology of the Study

The J.D. Power Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study surveyed over 7,000 retirement plan participants between May and June 2025. It evaluated satisfaction based on four key areas on a 1,000-point scale: design, system performance, tools/capabilities, and information/content. The insights gathered from this study offer critical guidance to retirement plan providers striving to enhance their services.

About Vanguard

Founded in 1975, Vanguard is a leading global investment management company, providing investment services to millions worldwide. Operating under an investor-owned model, Vanguard emphasizes fairness and investor success, continually innovating to maintain their commitment to superior service.

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a trusted authority in consumer insights and analytics, leveraging vast datasets to inform businesses about consumer interactions and expectations. With a historical emphasis on using data to enhance customer experiences, J.D. Power continues to influence best practices across industries.

For more information on Vanguard and their services, please visit vanguard.com.